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The plot in merchant of venice
The plot in merchant of venice
The plot in merchant of venice
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Anti-Semitism in The Merchant of Venice
Though many view Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice as anti-Semitic, careful examination shows that the playwright actually develops the opposing point of view. These views can be easily established through a careful reading of the plays dialogue, character comparisons, and more subtly through indirect thematic developments by the playwright showing that on both simple and complex levels, Shakespeare attacks the anti-Semitic attitude that has been prevalent in society for centuries.
The words of the play actually challenge anti-Semitism. In one of his most eloquent moments Shylock addresses this prejudice when he verbalizes the equality of all men in Act III, Scene 1.
He [Antonio] hath disgrac'd men, and hinder'd me half a million; laughed at my losses, mock'd at my gains, scorn'd my nation, thwarted my bargains, cool'd my friends, heated my enemies; and what's his reason? I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew 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, heal'd by the same means, warm'd and cool'd by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die? and if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?
The revenge motif in the play stems from the undeserved ill treatment first of Shylock by Antonio and then Antonio by Shylock. On simple levels Shakespeare shows bigotry and prejudice in all its ugliness through the use of anti-Semitic attitudes.
Shakespeare dispels the premises of anti-Semitism by establishing marked similarities between Shylock and his antagonists in the play. Antonio and Shylock are both business men intent on making money who have allowed this pursuit to become their entire focus. In the cited speech, Shylock indicates his hatred is born of the hatred shown towards him by others (particularly Antonio). Since there is no sound justification for Antonio's attitudes, he serves as a vehicle for establishing the hollowness of prejudice formed without basis. This is reasonably obvious even to the casual reader.
In a more subtle manner Shakespeare, through the use of the caskets, presents a truism with regard to the contrasts between outward appearances and inner reality leading to the prevailing idea that one must look beyond the surface.
Throughout the play, Shylock was often reduced to something other than Human. In many cases, even the simple title of "Jew" was stripped away, and Shylock was not a man, but an animal. For example, Gratiano curses Shylock with "O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog!" (IV, i, 128) whose "currish spirit govern'd a wolf" (IV, i, 133-134) and whose "desires are wolvish, bloody, starved, and ravenous" (IV, i, 137-138). Or when Shylock is neither a man nor an animal, he becomes "a stony adversary, inhuman wretch" (IV, i, 4-5). When the Christians applied these labels to Shylock, they effectively stripped him of his humanity, of his religious identity; he was reduced to something other than human.
Throughout the novel, Charles Dickens provides various example of how characters, no matter how badly lived their lives are, have a chance to seek for a better future. He protests through the examples of Mr. Brownlow helping out a lost orphan (Oliver) who happened to stumble across criminals, Nancy helping Oliver out because she doesn’t want Oliver to live a criminal life, and Rose and the Maylies taking Oliver in even though he committed a crime against them. Eventually Oliver is able to find his family lineage when Rose and Mr. Brownlow help him. Because of his innocence, Oliver was able to break his way through the limits society placed upon him and rise out of poverty and break the bonds and rise out of the crime world.
Initial preview- Mandela went to the best schools in South Africa, which eventually led him into joining the African national congress and the resistance movement, and through those experiences guided him to be the president of South Africa.
Being in love can make a person become more caring, happy or sympathetic; however, it can have a downside. Love can cause problems in and out of the relationship. Similar love problems occurred in the play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. The power of love often consumes reasoning and common sense, resulting in serious consequences. This theme is exemplified through Romeo’s actions, the entire play, and current music/art.
Since middle school, I have believed that all of Shakespeare’s works, similar to A Mid Summer Night’s Dream, were plays that one would read to hear a happy, entertaining story; but, it was not until this year, after reading The Merchant of Venice, that I recognized the darker, more sinister, side of Shakespeare’s plays. The Merchant of Venice supports the Jewish, anti-Semitic stereotype as the wicked character of Shylock is developed. Many individuals fear that it is improper to teach and discuss The Merchant of Venice in high school classrooms because of the negative way it presents Jews; however, I believe that it is important to read this controversial play in high schools because it enables students to learn anti-Semitic history and because reading Shakespeare’s works, due to their complexity, expands the literary mind of those who read it.
Shakespeare’s "The Merchant of Venice" supports anti-Semitism actions and thoughts and therefore it is an anti- Semitic play. Anti- Semitism is demonstrated very strongly through the character of Antonio. It is clear that Antonio is prejudice towards Jews.
“The time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices: submit or fight” (“Nelson Mandela”). Nelson Mandela took the chance and fought for his rights and freedom. Mandela has gone through many troubles in his life since the day he was born. A young man that had no shoes till he approached the age of sixteen, and then transformed into a great political leader of his country. Mandela’s life is an impressing story to be told!
Discrimination is a resounding theme in The Merchant of Venice (Meyers). All of the characters are affected by inequality. This inequity is clearly evidenced in Shylock, the Jewish usurer. He is treated with scorn and derision by all the characters. Shylock’s misfortunes stem not from poor attributes or even a poor background; it stems from the fact he is Jewish, and what is more, he is impeccably of that distinction.
Time magazine of London stated early in his career, “How do you spell Pelé? G-O-D” (3). The greatest soccer player in the history of the sport is unquestionably Pelé. His statistic résumé is unmatched by anyone who has ever played this great sport. He began his career on a high note, and never let off until his retirement. Even after his career ended he helped to work for a world for children. Pele’s life did not begin idealistically, only by chance was he discovered, but he grew to be the greatest soccer player ever and he used that fame and fortune to do even greater deeds for the less fortunate.
SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Mourning Becomes Electra.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. n.d.. Web. 6 Jan. 2014.
Due to an ancient grudge, the tale of the downfall of Romeo and Juliet showcases themes of love persisting through all, including death. The two portray an equal lust for each other’s love, yet approach the situation differently. This reflects the contrast between their immature or realistic actions. In the balcony scene in Act II scene ii, Romeo is shown to be impulsive and impractical, whereas Juliet is more reasonable and mature. This is revealed in their attitudes toward love, their current situation, and the language they use.
Athletic Genius, Soccer Legend, Master of Offense, Pelé. All are names for Edson Arantes do Nascimento, undoubtedly one of the greatest soccer players of all time. The purpose of this essay is to inform you about the things Pelé accomplished throughout his life and career, and also about what he did that effected the world so much.
The first theme is that religious intolerance and prejudice play destructive roles in the book. Even to this day, there is racism and prejudice in schools about race and religion. Antonio, as a true Christian, has often condemned moneylenders. He knows that since the early twelfth century, Christians are forbidden by the Church to lend money for profit. Shylock, as a Jew, does not consider his money-lending and overwhelming interest to be a sin in any manner. In fact, he considers his earnings through money lending as the gift of God. He appeals to and quotes the Scriptures in defense of his profession. Shylock and the other Jewish moneylenders are essential to the prosperity of the merchant community, but they are also outcasts as human beings and as Jews. Shylock often shows his dislike to the Christians; “I hate him for he is a Christian”, (Act I, Sc. III, L. 38). The Christians ridicule and hate the Jewish moneylende...
It is difficult to say if Shylock is a complete villain or a victim, as his character is complex and ambiguous. However, it is difficult to view Shylock as anything other than a devious, bloodthirsty and heartless villain in the majority of the play. There are a few points in the story where he can be viewed as victimised, as most Jews were at that time, but Shakespeare has purposely portrayed Shylock as a stereotypical Jew, greedy, and obsessed with money. Shylock has been written to be very inflated and exaggerated. Even when Shylock makes his first appearance in the play, his first words are “Three thousand ducats,” Act 1, Scene 3.
A&E Television Networks. "Nelson Mandela Biography." Biography.com. A&E Television Networks, 2011. Web. 05 Oct. 2011. .