Death in Venice

Merchant of Venice. One of the largest interpretations of the role of justice and mercy is that Portia represents mercy seen in Christianity while Shylock demonstrates the emphasis on justice seen in Judaism. Rather than emphasizing one religion over another, Shakespeare utilizes Portia and Shylock to demonstrate how both concepts of justice and mercy can be utilized for self-seeking purposes in The Merchant of Venice. The interactions between Portia and Shylock are largely seen in the Venice…

In William Shakespeare 's "The Merchant of Venice," religion plays a big part in early 1600s venetian society. The antagonist, Shylock, is an extremely religious man who lets his vengeance get the better of him. Throughout the play Shylock was constantly being treated badly because of his religion. Shylock is viewed as the villain in the play because he is a Jew but is actually the victim because of negative actions done onto him by others. When negotiating a deal with Antonio, Shylock…

Shakespeare’s play Othello touches upon the main themes of betrayal, sex, and racism. During the Elizabethan era these themes were used frequently by Shakespeare to hook his audience. Many would say that Shakespeare was attempting to either create a strong bond between the audience and the character, or was trying to spark his audience’s interest. Desdemona the main character’s wife was created in an attempt to compare her to an idealistic Elizabethan woman. An idealistic woman of Desdemona’s…

Portia in ‘Merchant of Venice one of the strongest and wisest characters found in William Shakespeare’s play. In this tragic comedy, Portia uses her creativity and wit to save the life of her husband’s best friend, Antonio. Portia’s father has passed, leaving her with a stunning inheritance. This beautiful, wealthy bachelorette is now the sought-after prize for many a young suitor. In fact, young, eligible suitors travel from other countries to win her hand in marriage. Portia knows who she…

Trade in Early Modern Venice and Ottoman Societies The Mediterranean world in early modern times was exceptionally complex and divided, though at the same time connected in ways that allowed each to learn from the other without giving up their individuality. This paper’s intent is to delve into what made the trade relations between the Ottoman Empire and Christian Europe, with a heavy focus on Venice, function while allowing each side to retain its individuality and take from the other culture.…

The Duke was upset about the penalty, a pound of Antonio 's flesh, but he can’t find any lawful way of freeing Antonio from his bond. Shylock entered the court and the Duke told him that all of the men gathered there expect him to pardon Antonio and forgive the debt. The Duke expected Shylock to forgive Antonio out of mercy, pity, and humanity. He undoubtedly thought Shylock was being cruel after his many recent losses, and that he would eventually forgive Antonio. Out of love, Shylock should…

Throughout History, some of the greatest stories and tales have an underlying theme of friendship. Chaim Potok’s book, The Chosen, is one of these books. During this time period, two groups known as the Orthodox Jews and the Hasidic Jews disagree with each other on most things. However, this fact does not prevent the two main characters Reuven Malter, an Orthodox Jew, and Danny Saunders, a Hasidic Jew, from becoming friends. In Danny Saunders’ case, his father, Reb Saunders is the leader of the…

I’ve chosen scene 1 and 3 of Act 3 to focus on how my understanding has deepened about Shylock. In scene 1, Shylock expresses his extreme hatred towards Antonio, his pitiful plight due to the racist stereotypes and ostracization on Jews and his anger and agony in losing his daughter, Jessica. From lines 40-68, Shylock expresses his extreme undying hatred towards Antonio, his agony in how the Christian community has dealt him unreasonably and heartlessly. This can be seen when Shylock…

As children, we look up to our parents. Just by listening to the things they say and how they act can have a huge impact on the way a child grows up and the way they experience life. Conrad, the main character from the novel, Conrad in Beverly Hills, grows up in Beverly Hills with parents who seem to not care or understand the way Conrad feels about his life. Specifically his father, Morse Keppler, has a tremendous impact on Conrad because he talks a lot about anti-semitism in very negative ways…

“You get, you give”(97), from The King of Mulberry Street by Donna Jo Napoli, means that you share your fortune with others to spread hope and kindness, so that allies and friends are made wherever one goes; the main character, Dom Napoli, shares his money and food generously and often, meeting friends at the same time. When Dom first arrives in Manhattan, he meets a “tough guy” in a alleyway that he tries to sleep in, and sees the boy chased away by the police later that evening. The next day,…