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Italy did not follow the rule of persecution strictly, yet some individuals did suffer. They did not have the same rights as Christian citizens and although they were allowed to build property, only blank walls were allowed to face the rest of the city, and nightly curfews were imposed on them.
The Jews had a huge reputation already set out for them. Ordinary Christians believed the Jews to be responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus, and legend read that Jews used the blood of Christian babies to make their bread. Jews had previously been targeted to wear badges, distinguishing them as part of the Jewish community at all times. During the plague years, Jews were even accused of poisoning the Christian wells! Jewish people had a terrible reputation for being child-murderers, poisoners, grasping moneylenders, and in effect, the devil's accomplices.
All these theories the shared thoughts of Shakespeare's Christian audience, it could only be expected that the Jew would be the enemy, and the character that everybody loved to hate and blame.
Shakespeare creates a caricature of a Jew, just as he might have …show more content…
Shakespeare's "Shylock" was easily recognisable as a Jew, wearing traditional clothing, immediately showing the audience that he is different. The money lending profession adds to the Jewish look, and the way he acts, without even a care for his own daughter, making references to his desire for Christian blood, allows Shakespeare's audience to create
The Jews had a huge reputation already set out for them. Ordinary Christians believed the Jews to be responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus, and legend read that Jews used the blood of Christian babies to make their bread. Jews had previously been targeted to wear badges, distinguishing them as part of the Jewish community at all times. During the plague years, Jews were even accused of poisoning the Christian wells! Jewish people had a terrible reputation for being child-murderers, poisoners, grasping moneylenders, and in effect, the devil's accomplices.
All these theories the shared thoughts of Shakespeare's Christian audience, it could only be expected that the Jew would be the enemy, and the character that everybody loved to hate and blame.
Shakespeare creates a caricature of a Jew, just as he might have …show more content…
Shakespeare's "Shylock" was easily recognisable as a Jew, wearing traditional clothing, immediately showing the audience that he is different. The money lending profession adds to the Jewish look, and the way he acts, without even a care for his own daughter, making references to his desire for Christian blood, allows Shakespeare's audience to create