Daniel Cote
ENGL 170
03/05/2018
Religion and Prejudice in The Merchant of Venice In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare argues the ethics of justice and mercy, with religion as the focus. Throughout this piece, we are frequently reiterated of the discrepancies amongst Shylock and the rest of the characters. Possibly the most observable distinction, ensured by the conversation, is in each characters’ religions. Shylock, a Jew, is ridiculed throughout the comedy, and is in essence the antagonist. Antonio, Bassanio and Portia, in relationship with the rest of their associates, are Christians. Alongside the themes of love and acquiescence, Shakespeare practices conviction to enrich each of his charismas and to alter the significance of justice and mercy. It is distinctive that Shakespeare’s intent for his spectators to give consideration to the mutual variations of religion concerning Shylock and the …show more content…
From the start of the story, Shylock desires to be capable to take Antonio’s life with a pound of flesh. He eagerly enters the bond, and will not take ducats in place of his forfeiture. From this position, Shylock expressions to be a ferocious psycho. Regardless of, Antonio is being the target. Antonio only expected the bond to lend a helping hand to his good pal, Bassanio. Additionally, he did not actually believe Shylock to request a pound of flesh over ducats, which might be understood as clichéd of the Jewish people. Finally, Antonio only treasures himself in such a jam since he had trade ships were destroyed in a storm. If it had not put up for a sequence of unlucky dealings, Antonio would then be living fortunately with Jessica. In this situation, prejudice separates the viewer’s state of mind on empathy, making even more melodramatic pressure all the way through the