Shylock in “the Merchant of Venice”

Long recognized as one of Shakespeare's major works, The Merchant of Venice regularly stirs up a great deal of controversy. It is a problem play according to Grebanier (1) and, with the exception of Hamlet, probably provokes more discussion than any other of his plays. In addition, it is linked to the issue of anti-Semitism because the villain is a Jew. Shakespeare has developed the role of Shylock with such artistry that the name is now common usage for a heartless moneylender. Jews, and others sensitive to bigotry, become uneasy the moment anything with a Jewish connotation comes up. While this is understandable, it is easy to lose perspective. Shakespeare has been accused of anti-Semitism, as well as stoutly defended against this charge. The purpose of this paper is to examine the characterization of Shylock, within the artistic entity of the play, and to try to clarify what Shakespeare meant the role to convey to us.

The action in the play stems from the conflict between Antonio and Shylock. They are poles apart in background, character, and life-style. Antonio is the leading merchant and one of the most admired men in all of Venice. He believes in love and friendship; that money should be used to enrich one's life and the lives of one's friends. His antagonist is Shylock, the moneylender, an alien and a Jew. Their paths have crossed on many occasions and they have had bitter clashes. Antonio lends money gratis to his many friends, and this has hindered the business dealings of Shylock. Antonio has expressed contempt for Shylock's business, his character, and his religion. Ironically, this is the man to whom Antonio comes for a loan for his friend. Antonio signs a bond that, if he cannot repay the loan on time, he will forfeit a pound of his flesh. Circumstances prevent Antonio from meeting the deadline, and Shylock, deaf to all pleas for mercy, prepares to exact the forfeit. At the very last minute, Antonio is saved, and all ends well. It is a comedy.