The Merchant of Venice Essay Essay Example

The Merchant of Venice Essay Essay Before the middle ages, the Jews left Israel in the Diaspora (a scattering) and spread all over the world, living in the cities in separate communities going forth and carrying out their lifestyle as normal. But not everyone was happy with this. Jews became enormously hated, were seen as aliens in their new communities and had no kind of social status. English people/audiences knew Jews only from legend. In the popular medieval mystery plays, which lasted until Shakespeares youth, Jews featured as a cursed race. It was rumoured that they killed children and drank their blood. It was in 1201 when Jews were expelled from England. Jews slowly began to return to England in Shakespeares time. A way in which people were seen to be anti-Semitic was the time when Fredericko Lopez (Queen Elizabeths personal doctor) a Jew, was tried and executed for treason, which was very much questioned to be an anti-Semitic plot. Jews were considered by Christians to be Christ Killers. Myths about their rituals and ceremonies were widely talked about and believed, such as in the legend of Little St. Hugh of Lincoln (Chaucers prioresss tale), where Jews murder a Christian child. Jews were forced to live in ghettos (geto) which may have given Jews a persecution complex. We will write a custom essay sample on The Merchant of Venice Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Merchant of Venice Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Merchant of Venice Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In 2009, we are bound to view any work concerning Jews and persecution through the prism of the Holocaust. Our views are almost certainly coloured by this; the Elizabethan audience had no such experience although events of persecution (known as pogroms) were common. Throughout the duration of the play, both Antonio and Shylock show major dislike which if looked at in depth is portrayed more as hatred. The main reason because of this is due to the fact that one is a Christian and the other a Jew. Their revulsion towards each other is shown many times such as when Antonio quotes, I am as like to call thee so again, to spit on thee again and to spurn the too meaning that just because they are doing business it does not mean they are companions. But it is not only Antonio that shows abhorrence. Shylock also tells of how much he loathes Antonio when he says, How like a fawning publican he looks. I hate him for he is a Christian demonstrating his thoughts of Antonio. Shakespeare understands the human suffering that Jews had for centuries been subject to humiliating discrimination towards Jews so allows Shylock to speak for his own and all other persecuted minorities: Hath not a Jews eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses affections, passions? Fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If we can appreciate this it makes our decision so much more complex to choose which person to side with. The bond is initially made to Bassanio, Antonios dear friend as it is needed to woo a beautiful heiress. But as all of Antonios ships and merchandise are busy at sea, he promises to cover the bond so Bassanio seeks Shylock, a vengeful Jewish money lender whom Antonio truly detests. It is agreed that Shylock would lend 3000 ducats under the condition of, if Antonio is unable to repay the loan at the specified date, he is entitled to take a pound of Antonios fair flesh. As Shylock calculates the interest on the loan he remembers the many times that Antonio has cursed him, calling him a misbeliever, cut-throat, dog and spat upon his Jewish gabardine. Antonio responds that he is likely to do so again and insists that Shylock lends him money as an enemy. Bassanio warns Antonio against entering such an agreement under such a condition, but Antonio assures him that he will have no trouble repaying the debt, as his ships will soon bring him wealth that far exceeds the value of the loan. So is surprised by what he sees as the money lenders generosity and signs willingly. With reference to the film, we visually see what a pound of flesh looks like as shylock purchases a pound of lamb. Seeing a pound of flesh looks a very large amount but Antonio still uptakes the agreement. The words kind and kindness are repeated several times at the end of this scene. They have a surface meaning generous and generosity which Antonio accepts, and an ironic double meaning. If Shylock grows kind in this second sense, he will become even more like himself, true to his nature. And we have already, in his soliloquy, seen what this is. With regards to the elopement of Jessica, we see another side to Shylock, a deeper, more human side. It was unusual on the Elizabethan stage to have Jews portrayed other than one dimensional characters (often dressed as devils). But with Shylock we see a father experiencing a confusion of emotions as Tubal imparts various pieces of information in an incoherent manner. He is told of the loss of his daughter, mourning the fact she has eloped with a Christian man, (which in Judaism is said to dilute her blood as Judaism can only be descended from a mother making any children that she has Christian) and is extremely irate that she is recklessly spending his money. He becomes even more enraged when he hears that Jessica has given away the ring that was a token of betrothal from his late wife. It is later on explained to him that she had exchanged the ring for a pet monkey, which leaves him so heated that he exclaims; I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear: would she were hearsed at my foot and the ducats in her coffin We the audience should feel pity for him here as the news of the turquoise is agony for him, I had it of Leah, when I was a bachelor. I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys. But are we obliged to feel compassion for him as he puts across the thought that he would prefer his money rather than his own flesh and blood back in his arms? He believes that Antonio is most certainly involved which adds to the atmosphere. Grief and anger conflict with malicious glee when Shylock hears of Antonios misfortune away at sea and it is made very clear that he will take revenge for both the loss of his daughter and his ring when he claims the forfeit from Antonio. The trial scene in The Merchant of Venice is most probably the most famous scene in English drama. It shows the vital difference between a Christian showing mercy, and a Jews thought of justice. The conversation between Shylock and Bassanio before Shylock comes on stage shows the hopeless resignation with which Antonio faces Shylocks wrath. Shylock is relentless in that he wants his pound of flesh. Shylock admits hatred for Antonio is irrational and emotional. But Antonio is not intimidated, and shows his contempt for Shylocks Jewish Heart. Bassanio offers to repay twice the amount he had originally borrowed but Shylock would refused to uptake his offer declaring he wants his pound of flesh is by law. But if the Duke refuses to grant this it will appear that There is no force in the decrees of Venice. Antonio knows that if the law was not observed, Venice will suffer in its reputation as the centre of international trade. And through all this Shylock is very brave in a sense and unaffected by insults as in the film he is surrounded by Christians with even the duke siding Antonio. The Duke then makes a final attempt to save Antonio legally so calls upon a famous lawyer named Bellario. Shylock knows the strength of his position and insists he will take justice. Bellario urges Shylock to take mercy, but he refuses and says I will have my bond! ). Bellario (Portia) then puts forward that Shylock can take his pound of flesh but in no way can spill a drop of Antonios blood. Shylock then realizes he cannot take is pound of flesh and tries to take the money Bassanio is still offering. But it is then when Bellario begins to be inflexible stating that Shylock will have to pay the penalty of an alien trying to murder a Venetian. And this is where we see the key difference between a Christian and a Jew. Antonio shows his generosity. The half of his estate that Shylock is supposed to forfeit to him, he will allow him to keep it under two conditions. The first being he leaves his wealth to his daughter and her husband Lorenzo and that he becomes a Christian. To an Elizabethan audience this would not be such a bad thing as in the bible it says that a Christian should endeavor in converting non believers. This I believe is the worst thing that could ever be asked of Shylock as his religion is all he has left. In conclusion, therefore, I believe Shylock to be the party more sinned against than sinning. Centuries of intolerance shown to his people, married to the personal insults he has undergone have combined to make him a steely adversary but ultimately, a victim. The Merchant of Venice Essay Essay Example The Merchant of Venice Essay Paper Paragraph 1 If I were the director of the court scene of the play the merchant of Venice I would set the scene in Venice where there is hatred towards Jews to emphasize that Shakespear has been hateful towards Jews by making Shylock play the Jew in the play. In designing the court I would put the judge above everyone in the court and I would make Shylocks seat lower than everyone elses to make him feel lower than everyone else. In my choice of props I would place crosses all over the courtroom to emphasize it is a Christian place. When the Duke enters the courtroom I would make everyone rise to show respect and be silent. When Shylock enters the courtroom I would make everyone remain seated and make Shylock bow to the Duke and the audience to make Shylock as a Jew feel lower than Christians. We will write a custom essay sample on The Merchant of Venice Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Merchant of Venice Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Merchant of Venice Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I would imagine that as Shylock is about to enter the court he is happy and walking up and down to show he is bursting with confidence to let his story out, to get his pound of flesh. If I got an actor to play Shylocks part through his body language I would make him keep moving his hands around to show hes ecstatic. I imagine if Shylock walked into a courtroom full of Christians the Christians would boo at Shylocks entrance because he is Jewish and there is a negative persona towards Jews throughout the play. As Shylock enters the courtroom, full of Christians, I would want them to boo at him and swear at him to show their hatred and disaprovence of him as a moneylender and a Jew. The attitudes of the people of Venice over time will make Shylock become resentful towards Christians. Paragraph 2 In act 4 scene 1 lines 16-34 the feelings that the Duke shows towards Antonio is that in line 23 Duke says this poor merchants flesh thou wilt not only lose the forfeiture but, touchd with human gentleness and love where Duke is trying to make Antonio look innocent and make everyone feel sorry for him, moreover the Duke says the poor merchant which tells that Duke has sympathy for Antonio. From line 30 Duke shows his hatred towards non Christians by saying commiseration of his state from brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flints, from stubborn Turks and Tartars, never trained to offices tender courtesy where Duke is basically trying to imply that non Christians have no sympathy for human life. The reason Shylock gives for wanting his pound of flesh is he says it is my humour and he says lodgd hate and a certain loathing I bear for Antonio where Shylock is expressing his hatred for Antonio. In act 1 scene 3 lines 98-121 it tells us how Antonio has treated Shylock in the past; Shylock says many a time you have rated me about my moneys and my unaces Shylock also says you call me misbeliever, cut throat dog, and spit upon my Jewish gaberine which informs us that Antonio has been spiteful towards Shylock from the beginning. The kind of tone of voice I would direct an actor playing Shylock to use for this particular part is a tone filled with anger and arrogance to show Shylock is angry because Antonio has no choice but to come to Shylock for help which will make Shylock feel more higher in society than Antonio. Paragraph 3 In Act 4 Scene 1 lines 70-83 Antonio says that Shylock character is stubborn by saying You may as well go stand upon the beach and bid the main flood bate his usual height where Antonio is trying to say that you cannot reason with Shylock there is no chance, because it is impossible to reason with the sea tide! Antonio also gives examples of things which are impossible to reason with such as you may as well use question with the wolf, why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb; you may as well forbid the mountain pines to wag their high tops, and to make no noise when they are fretten with the gusts of heaven. Antonio also states that as we seek to soften that-then which whats harder ?-his Jewish heart! Where Antonio is saying Shylock is like that because he is a Jew! This encourages the audience to develop an element of dislike for Shylock. After Shylock made his speech for his case to be heard in lines 89-103 I would direct the Duke to shout at him and get angry at Shylock because Shylock hasnt got the right to comment on Venice in such a hateful manner. In lines 128-138 Gratiano abuses Shylock I would make the actor deliver these lines while standing upright and pointing at Shylock looking at him in a bloody rage. The actor playing Shylock should be in a state of shock and in a furious rage. The words which are said by Gratiano tells us that his character is prejudice against Jews also he is not afraid to express his hatred towards Shylock and has affection for Antonio. Paragraph 4 As Duke reads the letter from Bellario the expectations that the audience expect from Balthazar is that he is qualified and acquainted with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant. Which means he knows whats happening between Antonio and Shylock so he can make good judgement upon the situation. In the letter that Bellario writes about Balthazar, the words and phrases, which are intended to give a good impression about Balthazar are we turned over many books together which means that Balthazar knows as much as and is as well as informed as Bellario. It also says in the letter he is furnished with my opinion which I interpret as Balthazar has the same opinion as Bellario. Moreover it says I cannot enough commend which means Balthazar is so great Bellario cannot put him on an even higher stature. In addition it also states in the letter let his lack of years be no impediment, for I never knew so young a boy with so old a head whereby Bellario is saying even though Balthazar is young he is very educated or wise as if he were an old man. As Venice is strictly a male dominated society in business and in law; The actress playing Portia who is dressed as Duke will be thinking of things such as will the court and its audience believe I am Duke, is my costume persuasive enough for them to believe I am a man, what are the chances of the court thinking I am a women and will Shylock and Antonio except the judgement I give. Paragraph 5 In the play, the main themes of the play are that of justice and mercy. Portia gives a speech about mercy and justice in act 4 scene1 in lines 180-193, Portia says it dropeth as the gentle rain from heaven where Portia is trying to say mercy is a gift from above. Also Portia says it becomes the throned monarch better than his crown which I interpret as the person who is merciful, is better than a king who doesnt have mercy. Portia moreover says it is a attribute of god himself where Portia is saying mercy is one of gods qualities. In extent Portia states though justice be thy plea, consider this, that in the course of justice none of us should see salvation: we do pray for mercy, and that same prayer doth teach us to render the deeds of mercy where Portia is saying even though you want your pound of flesh have mercy. If I were the director I would make an actor deliver these lines in a compassionate and quiet tone of voice. The body language I would direct the actor to use is the act or constantly moving their hands. Paragraph 6 Act 4 scene 1 illustrates the opposition between appearance and reality when Portia disguises herself as a male; the other characters in the play that are not what they seem are Nerrisa and Jessica (Shylocks daughter). Nerrisa dresses up as a male to deceive the court; and Jessica disguises herself as a male (boy) to escape from her fathers home. The characters who have deceived others is Portia when she wanted back her ring which she gave to Bessanio, she dresses up as someone else and persuades Bessanio to give her the ring. Bessanio had a conversation with Portia but does not recognise her, I would direct the person playing Portia to keep on moving so it is not possible for Bessanio to get a clear view of Portias face; I would also make Portia wear the complete opposite of clothes she would usually wear. Moreover I would make Portia use a soft tone of voice so Bessanio could not make a comparison between Portia and the person deceiving Bessanio voices. Paragraph 7 One of the central themes of the play is that of justice. In lines 207-220 Bessanio says to Portia I will be bound to pay it ten times over on forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart. Bessanio also says Wrest once the law to your authority; to do a great right, do a little wrong, and curb this cruel devil of his will. In the first statement Bessanio says he will pay Shylock his money ten times over; he also swears on his hands, head and heart he will pay him. In the second statement Bessanio asks Portia to use her power and do a greater right than a wrong and disappoint Shylock (the devil). Portias reply to Bessanio was it must not be there is no power in Venice that alter a decree established where Portia is saying its not possible to ignore the contract that Shylock and Antonio made. When the actors read lines 240-60 the gestures I would direct them to use is that the actress playing Portia should have her hand on or next to her heart and Shylock should be getting the scales ready t o weigh a pound of flesh. When the actor playing Antonio reads lines 260-77 I will make him read the lines slowly and with a soft tone of voice also I will make Bessanio put his hand on Antonios shoulder. I would make the actor Bessanio look shocked and upset. Bessanio and Gratiano both say they would sacrifice their wives for Antonio; the thing that the two men dont know but the audience does is that both Bessanio and Gratiano wives are in the court. This makes the mood of the scene a funny situation for the audience but an embarrassing scenario for Bessanio and Gratiano because they both say that they would sacrifice their wives for Antonio, which would make their wives resentful. Shakespeare changes the emotional balance at this point because the scene was getting serious so Shakespeare thought he could add some comedy to the play (scene). Paragraph 8 While reading lines 94-308 I would direct the following actors to say there lines in the following manner: Bessanio should speak in a sad tone of voice because he thinks he is going to lose his friend Antonio. Gratiano should speak in a very angry tone of voice to show the audience that he has got hatred in his heart for Shylock. Portia should remain calm but firm because she is the head figure of the court. Shylock should have a happy tone because he is ready to get his pound of flesh. Antonio seems sad and ready to die. When Portia agrees to let Shylock take his pound of flesh he becomes very exciteted and anxious to cut Antonio when Portia stops him just before he cuts Antonio. While reading lines 316-40 the gestures, which should accompany each statement Portia makes, is when she says therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh Portia could hand a knife to Shylock. While saying shed thou no blood; nor cut thou less, nor more, but just a pound of flesh Portia should look at Antonio pointing at him. While saying if the scale do turn but in the weight of a hair, thou digest, and all thy goods are confiscate Portia should take a hair from her head and show it to Shylock. In lines 316-40 three quotations which shows Portia is charge of the events are the Jew shall have all justice, why doth the Jew pause and he shall have merely justice, and his bond. While reading Shylocks lines between lines 294-342 his first responses are that he is praising Portia because he thinks he is getting his pound of flesh, when he finds out that he is not going to receive his pound of flesh he wants three times the bond for a sort of reparation; when it becomes apparent that he is not going to receive three times the bond he asks for the original sum borrowed and leaves. Paragraph 9 In lines 342-59 Portia says to Shylock Jew, the law hath yet another hold on you, it is enacted in the laws of Venice, if it be proved against an alien that by direct or indirect attempts he seeks the life of any citizen, the party that he doth contrive shall seize one half of his goods; the other privy coffer of the state. And the offenders life lies in the mercy of the Duke only In that statement Portia is saying to Shylock that Venice has still got another hold on him, she also says that if you try take a life of a citizen of Venice, the citizen is permitted to take half of the offenders property and the other half goes to the state of Venice. Moreover she says that his life is at the mercy of the Duke only. When the actor playing Gratiano says lines 360-3 the gestures he should use to say these words are he should use his finger and run it across his neck to represent death. Shylock should show his anguish when saying lines 371-3 by holding his hands together like hes going to be handcuffed to represent his life getting taken off him. In lines 376-86 I can tell that Antonio has not given up his prejudice ways because he says he presently (immediately) become a Christian which tells us that Antonio is still not happy Shylock is Jewish and wants him to turn Christian. Shylock should speak his last words in a voice filled with frustration and fury. As Shakespeare gives Shylock virtually nothing to say as he exits the play so if I were the director I would make Shylock say to Portia and Antonio that they are racist and Portia should not be in the position of power she is in. As Shylock leaves the stage for the last time I would direct him to leave with his head down also with an upset face. Paragraph 10 Both Portia and Nerissa talk of adopting manly behaviour in Act 3 Scene 4 to go with their disguises for the trial. When Portia appears as a man in the trial scene she uses language differently by using jargon (specialized or technical vocabulary of a profession) such as statements like I have spoke thus much to mitigate the justice of thy plea also there is no power in Venice can alter a decree established moreover it is enacted in the laws of Venice. Portia also has an authoritive and masculine voice, she also acts like a man in the way she uses body language. Paragraph 11 Shylock receives judgement but not justice, we know that he doesnt receive justice because he lent three thousand duceets to Antonio and in return he does not receive his pound of flesh or gets his money back but losses half his wealth and on top of that he must give up his religion and turn into a Christian. Also in his will he must give all his possessions to his son Lorenzo and his daughter, when Shylock is dead. The qualities of mercy which are displayed in the court scene is by Antonio when he says to quit the fine for one half of his goods where Antonio is allowed to take half of Shylocks possessions but he gives it back to Shylock under some conditions he presently become a Christian, of all he dies possessed, unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter which shows that Antonio did not want to take Shylocks lively hood.