Shylock

outside forces. Textual Evidence: “Hates any man the thing he would kill it?” (IV.I.67). Explanation: Shylock gained the desire to want to steal a pound of flesh from Antonio. As stated by the definition an external conflict, an external conflict is a struggle from the outside forces. An episode between Antonio and Shylock further demonstrates the meaning of external conflict. In this situation, Shylock is the outside force that is causing external conflicts for Antonio. Since this an outside…

outcome of the court proceeding is almost darkly comical. Portia speaks of mercy and yet shows none, in defense of a man who earlier showed no mercy yet later feigned innocence. On that account, Antonio had earlier spat upon Shylock, and called him any number of names and slurs. Shylock 's near moment of revenge, then abrupt fall from power mark the height of the hypocrisy of the characters who would be traditionally associated with Christian values, by virtue of their religion. Portia 's…

have two very opposing cultures: the Christians and their love for money, against Shylock and his need for money. Mercenary attributes are found in several Christian characters; Antonio with his risky business ventures (I. i. 22-40), Bassanio who wants to borrow money to marry a rich lady (I. i. 208-223), and Portia’s father who is arranging his daughter to marry a man who cares about money (I. ii. 24-30). Shylock, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. The only profession he is able to…

intelligent. Portia had chosen to represent Antonio, Bassanio’s closest friend, in court. Antonio was in great debt to Shylock and owed him a pound of flesh. Portia tells Shylock Why, this bond is forfeit, /And lawfully by the jew may claim a pound of flesh, to be by him cut off nearest to the merchant's heart (Shakespeare 4.1.228-231). Furthermore, Portia proceeds by manipulating Shylock to take the pound of flesh without any blood spilt in the process, she says if thou dost shed one drop of…

In the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird and throughout a great play, The Merchant of Venice, the characters had shown great abilities throughout the story lines. From the characters performing to be brave, to teaching the readers various lessons, these two art works had shown multiple attributes what everyone should have. In these storylines, the characters had shown their courageous actions through their struggles with society, themselves and their family what surrounds them. To Kill a…

Jewish moneylender, Shylock to get justice while his world crumbles as bonds and relations disappear before his eyes. The play is filled with much anti-semitism expressed by the majority of Christian citizens of Venice towards Shylock. The Merchant of Venice challenges the widespread anti-semitism of the time by demonstrating how similar events impact both Jews and Christians in the same way. When a person is wronged by another, the desire…

The Overlooked Role Model: Portia The true meaning and traits of role models are debatable, amongst both experts and the general public. Some say their idol is someone successful, while others may say it is someone who works hard, for example. Despite these uncertainties, disagreements, and variabilities, role models can be found anywhere: in life, in fiction, or even in William Shakespeare’s most comedic play, The Merchant of Venice. Portia, the rich and desired heiress who must rely on her…

want his daughter to be married, then his wish should be respected. This is hardly the case in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Lorenzo, a minor character, intends to elope and run off with Jessica, the daughter of a rich Jew named Shylock. Knowing that Shylock would disapprove because Lorenzo is a Christian and they intend to take all of his money, the couple marries in secret. This action fuels a deep anger and hatred inside Jessica’s father, causing him to seek out vengeance later in the…

Macduff in using his hands to revenge Macbeth’s killing his wife and children, leaving him without his beloveds. While in The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, seeks justice from the Duke of Venice in requests that he enforces Shylock’s contract with Antonio. Shylock, in contrast to Macduff, seeks justice through the superior power of the court. Unfortunately, Shylock does not foresee that even in the court he feels prejudice for his religion, which leaves him without justice. In their respective…

In The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, Shylock creates a sense of self pity, gives in to his greed and blinds himself with revenge, which ultimately leads to his downfall at the end of the play. Shylock, the antagonists of the play, is a Jewish man living in Venice who makes a living by giving out loans, with interest, to people in need. He begins the story, though not happy, at his most content state and as his story continues and he continues to make decisions based on his defining…