The “Merchant of Venice” is filled with racial and religious issues that seem possible for almost every character. These contrasting actions are depicted by many people throughout the text of The Merchant of Venice and can easily be linked to the actions and motivations of people in the present day. This is seen most clearly in the main characters, Shylock, Antonio, Jessica, Lorenzo, and Portia. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The issues of race and religion first appear in the first scene where Antonio spits on Shylock and his clothes. » Shylock declared. “How like a flattering publican he looks!” I hate him because he is a Christian, but even more because he lends money for free and lowers the usage rate here in Venice. If I manage to catch him once by the hip, I will feed with fat the old grudge I bear against him. He hates our sacred nation, and he mocks me, even where merchants gather most, at my good deals and my well-earned savings, which he calls "interest." Cursed be my tribe if I forgive him! This quote shows hatred and racism towards Antonio because Shylock persists in saying that he only hates him because he is a Christian. Shylocks statement is obviously clear in our modern society today. It is clear that Donald Trump is a good example of racist and derogatory comments. As Shylock quoted: "I hate him because he's a Christian", it's the same as Trump when a US Army veteran says: "Too many illegal immigrants are taking advantage of American taxpayers with no way to contribute to our society. Mr. Trump said: "I would build a great wall, and no one builds walls better than me, believe me, and I will build them very cheaply." I will build a big wall on our southern border and I will ask Mexico to pay for it. Both quotes can obviously match Shylock's quote when he calls Antonio "because he's a Christian" and says I hate you just because you're a Christian, because Trump hates most Mexicans and Muslims because "all Mexicans and Muslims are terrorists. Another great example of race and religion in "The Merchant of Venice" are Portia and the Prince of Morocco. Portia does not want to marry Price because of her dark complexion. “If I could welcome the fifth as heartily as I can bid farewell to the other four, I would be happy with his approach. If he has the state of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I would rather he shrivel me than marry me. Portia said: "I wouldn't marry him even if the guy was a 'Saint'." These quotes distinctly show race and religion between the characters, but more often show the racial side. During Shakespeare's time, black people were considered and associated with evil and demons. Even though these men and women were the kindest people one could ever meet, you would never consider them the heart of a princess. The "Duke of Venice" is an underlying example of this problem that most people don't even consider. be part of the issue of race and religion. The Duke said, “Make room and let him stand before us.” — Shylock, the world thinks, and I think it too, that you only carry on this way of your wickedness until the last hour of the act, and then it is good. apparent cruelty; And where you now demand the penalty, which is a pound of flesh of this poor merchant, you will not only lose the confiscation, but, touched.