'The Merchant of Venice' is a comic play written by William Shakespeare around the time of 1596 or 1597, when there was constant altercation between that Christians and Jews. within Venetian society. Shakespeare wrote the play at a time when Jews were considered less important than Christians, when many were too afraid to share their religion for fear of persecution or anti-Semitic behavior. Initially, in Elizabethan times, audiences would have seen this play as amusing because it was aimed at Christians. Shylock would have been considered a stereotypical comic villain due to his bright red beard, continually scorned and mistreated by the public. In comparison to our modern society, where contemporary audiences would view this play in a serious light, with a sense of empathy due to the prejudice and discrimination received by current religious groups. Throughout the play, the protagonist (Shylock) is defined as a villain or a victim due to his individual beliefs and actions displayed before the audience. This division between good and evil is a major theme that is represented through the character of Shylock as he develops in the play and so it is my main focus. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay From the beginning of the play, Shylock's scheming nature can be interpreted as the characteristics of a villain due to the first time that he speaks in act 1. scene 3. The first line of Shylock "three thousand ducats" immediately introduces the audience to a man who views wealth as a priority over anything valuable to him, indicating evil traits . Additionally, an Elizabethan audience's view would perceive Shylock as "the devil" due to his strong religious hostility against a society composed primarily of Christians. However, it could be argued that this hatred towards Shylock also had a negative effect on the Jewish community, which fueled the motive for his revenge against Antonio. Indeed, Shylock perceives Antonio as someone he only sees in the light of anguish for his heinous crimes and disrespectful behavior. This is evident when he admits to the same prejudices based on the opposing religion, stating that "he hated him because he is a Christian." Additionally, the use of monologue here creates a sense of tension between the audience and the characters, as we understand the incalculable reasons for Shylock's indignant behavior. Many people believe that "The Merchant of Venice" depicts anti-Semitic behavior throughout the play, while we understand Shakespeare's intentions in presenting Shylock as a "Jewish moneylender"; whose main priority is to work without any problem. Indeed, in 16th century Venice, Jews were discriminated against because of their presentation and their religion, forced to practice the profession of usury. This is evident when Shylock is victimized for his appearance when Antonio; “spits on” his “Jewish gabardine”. In my opinion, this is a surprisingly emotive sentence as Shylock's language is sober and frank, unlike the Christians before him who are full of hypocrisy - as they similarly describe him as a " cut-throat dog.” By presenting Shylock as someone "fierce", it may have connotations towards someone who is very astute and ruthless in business; especially using the motif of animals – “dog”. Subsequently, it is ironic because Christians made it that way. Therefore, this presents Shylock as a fun figure, but also as avictim as it conveys the verbal and physical abuse he frequently experiences, provoking a sense of empathy from a modern audience. Here Shakespeare offers his audience a religious theme that most could relate to because during the Tudor period there was frequent persecution against people of different religions. Essentially, in Act 3, Scene 1, Shylock gives a revealing speech about the perspectives of prejudice and their effects on everyone's hatred through the use of lists, which creates tension to the point where he only desires revenge. . Shylock uses simple, direct prose when he states that he has the same: “organs, dimensions, senses, affections and passions” as a Christian. This highlights that although people may have different beliefs within a society, it should not affect or compare themselves to their individual humanity. Particularly for a modern audience, I think this could evoke a clear emotion of sympathy because it suggests that even though Shylock is dehumanized by the Christians, he is still able to express his feelings and emotions. Thus displaying a poignant character with a range of complex sensations as well, this however cancels out his previously seen stereotypical role. The use of prose signifies Shakespeare's further intentions to alienate Shylock as his speech lacks formality and metallic structure due to his being of a lower class, drawing attention to those of the upper class – Antonio. Similarly, Shylock's speech culminates in the idea of ​​revenge when he speaks directly. to the Christian public explaining that “the wickedness that you teach me, I will execute”. Throughout history, "if a Christian wrongs a Jew" he is free to take "revenge" and Shylock therefore believes that if Christians are meant to be forgiving and are not, then their teachings are. led us to understand this. principle of “revenge”. Additionally, this speech can be seen from the perspective of an Elizabethan who would most likely see Shylock's frustration as something humorous. However, a modern audience, including myself, may view Shylock's suffering and passionate tone as a means of persuasion and advocacy for understanding. Shakespeare presents Shylock as a wicked Jew within a prosperous and powerful Venetian courtroom in Act 4, Scene 1, where our sympathies may turn to the Christian Antonio as his life may be in danger. During the scene, the tone shifts to a sense of tragedy as Antonio prepares himself for death by explaining this; “I will pay it instantly with all my heart.” This indicates that Antonio is willing to pay with his life in order to rectify his previous action and fatal flaws. This causes a feeling of disgust and animosity towards Shylock, the "Jew" who attempts to kill a Christian, who from the point of view of an Elizabethan audience may view as innocent. This is because they believe that someone of their own religion will be deprived of their own life because of a "strange", "inhuman wretch" "Jew" who cannot possess the "quality of mercy" Christian. Subsequently, the use of strong and powerful adjectives indicates Shylock's evil intentions. In my opinion, a modern audience might view society as hypocritical, suggesting that the Christian way of thinking is ironically not as perfect as it first appears. Additionally, Shylock can be seen as a misguided victim at the end of this scene, as he is persecuted for his past intentions to fulfill his bond, losing everything that has ever been important to him. This is evident when Shylock is ordered to "seek the life of every citizen", indicating that he.