“I like not fair terms and a villains mind”-William Shakespeare. In the play Merchant by William Shakespeare, Bassanio, a young Venetian merchant, seeks to borrow three thousand ducats to win over Portia, a wealthy woman. Bassanio turns to Antonio, whom is a longtime friend as well as a wealthy merchant. Although Antonio does not have the money on deck for Bassanio to borrow because Antonio’s ships are already at sea, Antonio allows Bassanio to borrow money as credit under Antonio’s name. As a result, Bassanio turns to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Shylock and Antonio have a bad history together, because Antonio looks down upon Shylock due to his religion and financial issues. Nevertheless, Shylock agrees to take on the loan under one
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The Prince of Morocco is discriminated by Portia due to his dark skin complexion: “If he had the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me.”(1.2.131). Portia rejects anyone that does not have the same religion or ethnic background as her. Her racist remark furthers the argument of her racism and role as the antagonist. Portia’s response to the serving man’s announcement reveals Portia’s racist nature as well. She states that even if the Prince were to have “the condition of a saint”, she would still turn him away for marriage “…he should shrive me than wive me.” due to his race “...the complexion of a devil…” In addition, the statement tells us Portia is racist because even though she had not met The Prince of Morocco yet, she immediately assumes that he has dark skin. Portia judges and stereotypes The Prince of Morocco based on his skin color, not his personality. This response towards The Prince of Morocco also suggests that she holds an anti-Semitic view towards Shylock, the …show more content…
Antonio clearly has violated the bond in which he and Shylock created and agreed upon. The bond clearly states that if Antonio fails to pay his dues in a timely manner, Shylock has the right to take one pound of flesh away from Antonio. However, Portia finds a loophole in the bond by interpreting its meaning literally: “This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood. The words expressly a pound of flesh.”(4.1.26). Even though the bond clearly means to grant Shylock the right to one pound of flesh from Antonio regardless of bloodshed, the meaning of the bond is completely altered in favor of Antonio, as a result of the loophole which Portia finds. As a result, Shylock does not receive the pound of flesh he rightfully deserves; leaving Portia to blame for stripping away the justice from Shylock. During the court scene, Portia says, “Then must the Jew be merciful.”(4.1.12). Portia states that Shylock should show mercy towards Antonio. However, Shylock proposes a rebuttal, “On what compulsion must I?”(4.1.13). Shylock has not been shown any mercy, especially from Antonio and Portia. There isn’t any real reason that Shylock should be showing mercy; if anything, Portia and Antonio should be the ones showing mercy towards Shylock. Portia tries to make Shylock forfeit his justice. Antagonists (Portia) in plays try to steer people
The Prince of Morocco is discriminated by Portia due to his dark skin complexion: “If he had the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me.”(1.2.131). Portia rejects anyone that does not have the same religion or ethnic background as her. Her racist remark furthers the argument of her racism and role as the antagonist. Portia’s response to the serving man’s announcement reveals Portia’s racist nature as well. She states that even if the Prince were to have “the condition of a saint”, she would still turn him away for marriage “…he should shrive me than wive me.” due to his race “...the complexion of a devil…” In addition, the statement tells us Portia is racist because even though she had not met The Prince of Morocco yet, she immediately assumes that he has dark skin. Portia judges and stereotypes The Prince of Morocco based on his skin color, not his personality. This response towards The Prince of Morocco also suggests that she holds an anti-Semitic view towards Shylock, the …show more content…
Antonio clearly has violated the bond in which he and Shylock created and agreed upon. The bond clearly states that if Antonio fails to pay his dues in a timely manner, Shylock has the right to take one pound of flesh away from Antonio. However, Portia finds a loophole in the bond by interpreting its meaning literally: “This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood. The words expressly a pound of flesh.”(4.1.26). Even though the bond clearly means to grant Shylock the right to one pound of flesh from Antonio regardless of bloodshed, the meaning of the bond is completely altered in favor of Antonio, as a result of the loophole which Portia finds. As a result, Shylock does not receive the pound of flesh he rightfully deserves; leaving Portia to blame for stripping away the justice from Shylock. During the court scene, Portia says, “Then must the Jew be merciful.”(4.1.12). Portia states that Shylock should show mercy towards Antonio. However, Shylock proposes a rebuttal, “On what compulsion must I?”(4.1.13). Shylock has not been shown any mercy, especially from Antonio and Portia. There isn’t any real reason that Shylock should be showing mercy; if anything, Portia and Antonio should be the ones showing mercy towards Shylock. Portia tries to make Shylock forfeit his justice. Antagonists (Portia) in plays try to steer people