The Theme of Prejudice in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

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The Theme of Prejudice in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

In The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, there are two main

themes, prejudice, and loyalty. Prejudice is the more evident theme

and is shown in many different aspects through the characters and

plot. Shylock and Antonio demonstrate religious discrimination between

Christians and Jews. Portia and her suitors display racial

discrimination. The aim of this essay is to discuss the theme of

prejudice as shown in the play.

Jews in medieval times were despised. They had been blamed for

spreading the plague by poisoning wells and were accused of being

usurers. Thus, they would be enriching themselves at the expense of

the poor. Christians were not permitted to lend money and anyone who

did was slandered. Jews were usually forced into lending money at a

fixed rate of interest because not many people would want to employ

them. These restrictions were forced by the overpowering Christians.

Shakespeare depicts this prejudice in a negative way throughout the

play suggesting that he feels strongly on this subject. However, he

adds humour to some parts in order to please the audience. Shakespeare

expresses prejudice through one of the main characters, Shylock.

Shylock is a Jew and his job is a money lender. These reasons are

enough for most of society to despise him. Antonio, another main

character in the play, is portrayed as the superior person as he is a

prosperous Christian and he looks down upon Shylock because of his

religion and for his system of making profit out of the merchants.

When Bassanio asks Antonio for "three thousand ducats," he immediately

says...

... middle of paper ...

...is her father and this is a big act to carry out

against him when he has taken care of her all her life. Jessica has

been a thief to be with Lorenzo, but when we see her with him it makes

the audience wonder if she will ever be accepted into the Christian

society.

Prejudice is shown throughout the play from almost all characters. The

play is based upon this theme for if Antonio was not prejudiced

against Shylock, Shylock would not hate Antonio. If Shylock did not

hate Antonio he would not then demand a pound of flesh from him. It is

an exploration of intolerance and prejudice and the hatred they cause.

Shakespeare is not opinionated on this subject as shown in the play,

but he is possibly trying to make people aware of it. The Merchant of

Venice illustrates the level of racial discrimination in Elizabethan

times.

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