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/ Friday, August 12, 2011 @ 11:19 PM
The motive of Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in Merchant of Venice is to show the prejudice in Venice and also the sufferings of the Jews from the results of prejudice. Although Shakespeare's audience would be very prejudiced against Jews and expect a villain, Shakespeare managed to present Shylock not as a type, a representative of his race, but also as a suffering individual with strong feelings of humanity.
The motive of Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in Merchant of Venice is to show the prejudice in Venice and also the sufferings of the Jews from the results of prejudice. Although Shakespeare's audience would be very prejudiced against Jews and expect a villain, Shakespeare managed to present Shylock not as a type, a representative of his race, but also as a suffering individual with strong feelings of humanity.
Shylock is also always insulted by Antonio and Gratiano and were also physically bullied by them. 'You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, and spit upon my Jewish gaberdine.'
Shylock is evil as he lends money and collect interest and Christians at that time thought that what he was doing was wrong. However, they didn't realise that money-lending was the only mean that Shylock can use to earn a living, as in the past, the law in Venice barred Jews for most of the profession.
Shylock was also seen as evil when he tried to kill Antonio and showing no mercy at all. When asked by Portia to show mercy, he did not relent but continue to insist in killing Antonio in open court. He was desperate for revenge, however it was only normal that he was behaving like this. Everyone wants revenge when their interest are being compromised. 'If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh' Therefore, Shakespeare is trying to show that the Jews were as equal as Christians and prejudice will only breed prejudice in this case, Shylock hates the Christian too and demand for revenge.
Therefore, Shakespeare intention is to make his audience sympathies with the Jews that are prejudiced against by showing the humanity of them and proving their sufferings and the results of prejudice. (prejudice breeds prejudice, and there will never be peace)
