Different Forms of Prejudice Present in The Merchant of...

Different Forms of Prejudice Present in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Different types of people, affected by their own views can define prejudice in many different ways. The Collins Concise Dictionary definition of prejudice is an opinion formed beforehand, especially an unfavourable one based on inadequate facts. Another definition is intolerance of or dislike for people of a specific race, religion, etc. From this, it is obvious that prejudice, although often a negative occurrence, can also be positive. Throughout The Merchant, there are many forms of prejudice among a variety of characters, because of race, gender or religion. The most blatant form of prejudice within the†¦show more content†¦He appears to, at least it some ways, sympathise with Shylock; particularly as he gave him the line Hath not a Jew eyes? (III.i.45-6). He understands that Shylock has feelings and emotions, and therefore is effected by the racism dealt out to him. As he continues in the same vein; Hath not a Jew hands, organ, dimensionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (III.i.46), Shakespeare seems to be attempting to teach his audience, who would have been fully educated in anti-Semitism, that Jews are only different in their beliefs. Not only that, but Shakespeare allows these lines to be taken and re-read about any race or religion, allowing The Merchant to be adapted and read in any context, for the appropriate time period and society. Throughout The Merchant, Shylock is a character with whom we both sympathise and despise. As a moneylender, he is already considered a sinner, both within the play, and as the spectators in Elizabethan times would have seen him. In the play, Shylock is the final option when Antonio needs to borrow money to fund Bassanios trip to visit Portia in Belmont. Even though he is a Jew and is despised by everyone, Antonio still borrows money from him. Even Antonio, the person who is the loudest in condemnation of Shylock, willShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s The Merchant Of Venice 1189 Words   |  5 PagesNikki Vietz Ms. Seibel Honors English 12 1 May 2015 Was Shakespeare Prejudice? The premise of William Shakespeare comedy, The Merchant of Venice, is the hostile relationship between Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, and Antonio, a Christian trader. The two gentlemen have a deep history of hatred due to personal injuries and Antonio’s refusal to collect interest on loans. This hatred comes to a climax when Antonio’s friend, Bassanio wishes to borrow three thousands ducats from Antonio so he can travelRead MoreThe Merchant Of Venice By William Shakespeare1445 Words   |  6 PagesThru Venice William Shakespeare, possibly the most esteemed writer of all time, wrote a play titled The Merchant of Venice, near the end of the 1500 s. 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