Shylock in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
Although there are various sub plots in the Merchant of Venice,
Shylock plays a very central role, interacting with almost all of the
other characters to some degree.
I believe that Shakespeare has carefully crafted the character of
Shylock in great detail. He makes Shylock both a Jew and a money
lender, both of these things were despised by many Christians at the
time this was written. Shylock is introduced to the audience as a
controversial character. All his traits and characteristics are very
deliberate.
The character of Shylock is frequently used by Shakespeare to build
sympathy from the audience, which he quickly removes again. This
helps to keep the audience thinking about him and it helps to keep the
audience interested in the plot.
Shylock first appears as a cautious business man who lets us know how
badly he has been treated by Antonio, but we become aware that there
is also professional rivalry between the two.
When we first hear of Jessica leaving, we are told by Solanio. The
situation is bad for Shylock, he has lost his daughter, some money,
some jewels and all to a Christian, we should feel a great deal of
pity for Shylock at this point, but Shakespeare avoids this by not
having Shylock present on stage at this point and by having Solanio
make light of the situation, implying that his grief for his ducats
may even surpass his grief for his daughter.
“My daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter!
Fled with a Christian! O my Christian ducats!
When Shylock does appear his passion has subdued and been overtaken by
bitterness therefore are sympathies are reduced.
One of Shakespeare’s best known speeches is Shylocks powerful speech
after his daughter has abandoned him and unconfirmed news of Antonio’s
losses at sea are heard. He talks of all the times he feels he has
been wronged by Antonio and states bluntly the reason for this is he