Inequality is a continually recurring theme in The Merchant of Venice, a play written by William Shakespeare in the 16th century, which depicts racism and prejudice which to this day remains an important symbol of inequality of opportunity and discrimination against a certain group based on their race, religion and ethnicity in society. Some characters in this play become victims of racism and prejudice after experiencing a series of inequalities that later become a catalyst for equality in the modern world. These themes are followed in today's society, allowing the audience to connect and express empathy for the characters. Shakespeare writes with explicit content about issues of racism and prejudice, doing so in such detail that we can relive each individual's experience, thus presenting an important topic to modern audiences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Merchant of Venice explores the theme of racism and prejudice, a problem that continues to exist in today's society. The play specifically shows anti-Semitism against Shylock, Antonio's loan shark. Shylock, a Jew, becomes the target of Antonio and his friend's anti-Semitism and is constantly harassed with derogatory terms and verbal insults. For example, in Scene 1, Act III, Shylock defends his profession as a usurer, a person who lends money at an exceptionally high interest rate while Antonio lends money without interest "He lends money for free and brings down / The utility rate here with us in Venice. Antonio's interest-free payments and rumors about Shylock give him a bad reputation, causing him to be hurled anti-Semitic insults from his friends, particularly in Act 4 where Gratiano curses him "Oh, be damned, inexecrable dog!” as well as “Jew currish”, referring to him as a dog. Shylock's anti-Semitic abuse highlights the harsh inequality Jews face because of their religion and similarly, in modern times where many practice racial anti-Semitism against Jews as a racial group rather than against their religion, Judaism. In 2014, German Chancellor Angela Merkel led a rally against anti-Semitism after numerous anti-Semitic activities surfaced in Germany. This follows a 2012 poll which found that 18% of Turks in Germany still view Jews as inferior human beings. A study undertaken by the University of Bielefeld in 2017 found that a significant percentage of attacks against Jews were carried out by Muslims. Shakespeare's emphasis on anti-Semitism and prejudice against Jews in The Merchant of Venice allows modern audiences to relate the issue to current times. Additionally, prejudice against minorities such as Jews varies from person to person, as many are preconceived by society's unfounded opinions. . This is relevant in today's society as each individual will have their perception and belief in religion and/or race. In Act 4, Portia, the heiress of Belmont, recounts "A drop of Christian blood, thy lands and thy goods / Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscated / to the State of Venice", describing the justified treatment inflicted on Jews and other minorities. . She then discusses with Nerissa about her possible suitors: “If he has the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I would prefer that he shrivel me rather than marry me. Portia's prejudice towards men with darker complexions shows prejudice..