Character Analysis of Shylock from The Merchant of Venice

William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice is a classic play that has also brought about some issues revolving around the antagonist of the story Shylock. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the character of Shylock in the play and also introduce the uses of that name throughout history down to the present day. Shylock in Shakespeares work is a money lending Jew who pursues money with strong vigor and attachment. Shylock is also portrayed as literally bloodthirsty as he demands punishment of mutilation as retribution for delinquency. Shylock is not portrayed very well in this story as he is duped in the end and eventually his owed debt is erased by the court as he exits in shame and defeat. Understanding the character of Shylock requires some knowledge about the history of money lending and the term usury. Usury is the practice of charging interest when lending money. This practice was usually despised throughout history beginning with Jesus throwing his fit in the temple in protest of this practice. The morality of practicing usury is certainly debatable, but what is not in dispute, is the tendency for people of Jewish heritage to become involved in this practice. Shakespeares Shylock was indeed based on truth, Jews have a history of dominating the banking and financial sectors of society. This trend certainly continues today. Many Jewish individuals are at the top of the ladder in the leading financial firms of today. Companies such as Goldman Sachs, JPShow MoreRelatedThe Merchant of Venice939 Words   |  4 PagesContrast of Shylock and Claudius Introduction This essay looks into the lives of Shylock and Antonio. These are two of Shakespearean antagonists of all time. They are alike in more ways than one. Shylock in Merchant of Venice is a Jewish moneylender based in Venice. He has been tormented and repressed mainly by the Christian population. 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