Shylock in The Merchant of Venice

A detailed Summary of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice

Shylock's character is set as an outsider from others in Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice by the mere fact that he is a Jewish person among many of the Christian faith. This fact alone sets him apart from others in addition to his practice of usury, a profession that is contrary to the Christian belief. His different style of living, dressing, and speaking also set him apart from other Venetians. His character is shown to be an outsider due to statements from the play such as when Bassanio asks Shylock to dine with Antonio and himself in lines 35-38 of Act I Scene III. Shylock answers with "I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you." This shows that Shylock will do business with others in the area but is not willing to break bread with others. It is shown that Shylock considers himself a scorned outsider because of the statement made to Antonio in the same act and scene when he states, "You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, and spet upon my Jewish gaberdine, and all for use of that which is mine own" (111-113).

Shylock's fate is set throughout the play. It first begins the moment he responds t

The culmination of his fate is brought full circle in the courtroom in Act IV Scene I. Shylock goes in with great confidence that he has outwitted Antonio and the Christians and that he will get the revenge he has so justly deserved. However, he seals his fate that is about to be finalized because as the Duke begs him for leniency upon Antonio he refuses causing even more animosity toward him. He will hear of no bargaining even though others are willing to repay the loan. When Shylock is asked to give reasoning for not extending courtesy, part of his reply states, "I give no reason, nor I will not, more than a lodg'd hate and a certain loathing I bear Antonio, that I follow thus a losing suit against him" (59-62). He is proving that he has no morality and that he is punishing Antonio just because he can. When everything is beginning to fold out, Portia comes along as a lawyer in disguise and begins the final steps toward putting Shylock in his place. Despite her dislikes for him and his actions, she attempts to help him as she begins by trying to persuade him to accept the money that has been offered. However, because of his hatred and bitterness he will hear of no bargaining. She then request that Shylock allow a surgeon to attend in case of excessive bleeding from the wound. He once again refused stating that it was not in the bond.

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Approximate Word count = 913
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English