Shakespearean Drama Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Shakespearean Drama - Essay ExampleJews were unless allowed to be money lenders or peddlers. It was common that they didnt charge interest nevertheless simply took property if the debt was not honored. Jews were stereotyped as very few people actually met a Jew in his life time. It was slapstick to say that Shylock wanted a pound of flesh as payment, knowing that it would never be done. This is ironic symbolism of being circumcised which is one of the steps of conversion towards Judaism. At the end of the play he is being forced to convert to Christianity.Secondly, murder would never be accepted. Antonio had been rude and nasty. Why should Shylock view ever done anything nice for him as giving him the 3000 Ducats. They had a love hate relationship. This is something which one only does for a friend. Something else was making him furious and had changed in their relationship. Perhaps losing his daughter to his Christian Servant where they both die away to get married. Then Loren zio goes to work for Antonios friend Basanio. Shylock has a lot to be incensed for. It is no longer a question of money thus the stereotype of money no longer is applicable.The quality of mercy is not strained it blesseth him that gives and him that takes. (Portia, IV, i)Portia is saying that mercy is higher that demanding justice. Shylock recognizes the contract with Antonio but if he gives him mercy, it ends there. If he demands justice, the court of Venice takes over and it will be Shylock who looses his life. Her logic is excellent and surprising. at that place is no reference to Judaism but to humanity itself. Mercy takes precedence over justice.How far that little candle throws his beams So shines a computable deed in a naughty world. (Portia, V, i)Portia follows later in the kindred seen to explain that Nothing is good, I see, without respect. Is she making reference to Shylock that he is indeed a good man who was wronged by Antonio. He has lost his daughter to Lorenz o who is a friend of Antonio.