This section contains 2,425 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) |
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Shylock: Villain or Victim?
Summary: Evaluates whether Sylock is a man more sinned against than sinning in The Merchant of Venice.
I agree to an extent. In the "Merchant of Venice", Shylock is portrayed as both a victim and a villain. Christians looked down on him, and he suffered humiliation and prejudice because of his job as a usurer and his race. However, he is also vengeful and cunning, and jumps as every chance to take revenge for himself.
We are first introduced to Shylock in Act I Scene iii where we learn about his job as a usurer. In this scene, Bassanio seeks Shylock out and asks for a loan in Antonio's name. Shylock displays his hatred for Antonio, and his hatred is mainly because Antonio lends money without interest, and threatens the existence of his job as a moneylender. Also, Antonio is prejudiced against the Jews and often throws verbal and physical abuse at Shylock. Shylock's hatred for the Christians can be seen from, "How like a...
This section contains 2,425 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) |
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