Term 3 Week 5 (Blogging Assignment)

What do you think is Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in The Merchant of Venice? Support your opinion with examples.

Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in The Merchant of Venice is probably to attract viewers of the Elizabethan Era, who had stereotypical views of the Jews, yet arousing sympathy for the Jews. In The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is portrayed as a character who was materialistic and greedy, with an eye for money. His hatred for Christians is also portrayed as a main part of the story, from where he tries to find opportunity to kill Antonio through the bond, where he states that if the money is not repaid in time, he would be able to cut a pound of flesh nearest the the heart.

In the 16th Century, anti-semitism in England was strong and almost no Jews lived in England. Discrimination was on a high and hatred between Christians and Jews were strong. Thus, writing a play which portrayed a Jewish character who was often discriminated would be considered normal and common in playwrights during that period of time. This was probably a reason Shakespeare created Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, to attract people to view his work.

However, there was also a hint of trying to take pity on Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. During the court case, the relentlessness of Portia was strongly portrayed, forcing Shylock to his wits' end. This makes the audience take pity on him naturally. At the end of the court case, Shylock, who lent money to Bassanio, lost both his money and his motive of killing Antonio. In such a plight situation, it would be natural for audiences to take pity on him. Another reason for creating Shylock in The Merchant of Venice could also be to attempt to change the prejudiced and stereotypical perspectives of the people, hoping to move a step toward racial equality and end anti-semitism.