Skylocks Defence

A detailed Summary of Skylocks Defence

In the play the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, the

character ShylockÕs portrayal changes a great deal. This manÕs image goes from

that of a cruel and evil murder to a pitiful and helpless beggar of mercy.

These circumstances raise the question of what kind of man Shylock truly is,

and whether or not the reader should feel pity for him. There is no doubt that

Shylock is a man with faults, but there is evidence to suggest that his

intentions though cruel and heartless are the result of years of unjust

provocation on the part of Antonio.

Shylock reveals a very dark side of himself once he has Antonio at his

mercy. Out of context, ShylockÕs actions would be perceived by most people to

be savagely unmerciful. Shylock refuses twice the bond which is owed to him by

Antonio, and upon seeing his determination to have AntonioÕs life, the Duke

asks him ÒHow shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?Ó (IV,I, 88) ShylockÕs

You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog,And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,

To spit on thee again, to spurn thee again.

Even there where merchants most do congregate,

In this he is clearly saying that he believes his actions to be completely

response to this request, Shylock replies:

Christians suffered by the Jewish people.

find this mercy for Antonio becomes forgivable. As a result Shylock becomes a

ÒFair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last ,

to the reader: How like a fawning publican he looks!

Approximate Word count = 640
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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