Shylock: villain or victim In Shakespeare's comedy The Merchant of Venice, we find a Jewish moneylender, Shylock, victim of anti-Semitism, cursed while he tries to break through a path in a Christian society. . It is not long before Shylock has the opportunity to take revenge on one of his oppressors, a Christian merchant Antonio, who requires Shylock's services. Antonio needs three thousand ducats to send his good friend Bassanio on a romantic trip. In turn, Shylock wants a “pound of flesh” to secure the bond. Shylock, at first glance, is a victim of religious persecution and quickly becomes an antagonist in the story. Lack of mercy for his oppressors and hell bent on revenge ultimately lead to his demise. We find Shylock dressed. In this case, Shylock is seen for his greed and desire to have Antonio's life. Shylock wants none of it, demanding his pound of flesh at the trial. As the trial begins, the Christian people unite in protest against the malicious affair claimed by Shylock. Bassanio appears with twice as many ducats owed and begs Shylock for mercy. Shylock, calloused by Christian mistreatment, will not allow himself to be drawn away from his bond. As he prepares for revenge, he is informed by Portia (Dr. Bellario): “This bond here gives you no speck of blood; The words are expressly "a pound of flesh" (Act IV, scene 1, line 305), then she declares to Shylock: "Shed no blood, nor cut yourself less nor more But just a pound of flesh" (Act IV, Scene 1, line 324-25)… ending with “You die, and all property is confiscated” (Act IV, Scene, 1, line 331). Here we see that Shylock is not only in conflict with a Christian society, but he is also in conflict with a pro-Christian law. In this same case, we see a cowardly and gluttonous side of Shylock as he searches for his last hope of victory. These thoughts are soon shattered, as Shylock is stripped of all his worldly desires. Meanwhile, the court presents itself as merciful in allowing him to adopt the Christian faith. Going into this reading of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, a biased reader might claim that this is a compliment to horrible discrimination. Looking at Shylock, many can see his flaws. Although imperfect, Shylock is still a man with great faith in his religious beliefs, pious and devout, who raised a daughter to the best of his ability in the hopes that one day she would pursue her faith, religious beliefs and would give him grandchildren. This, in turn, ends Shylock's legacy of usury, everything he owns, stripping him of his Jewish right.