[Grebanier examines the five scenes in which appears in The Merchant of Venice in an attempt to determine the nature of his character. In essence, the critic finds Shylock's desire for vengeance against Antonio motivated by the merchant's lending money interest free, lessening Shylock's customers, and hence, his profits. Further, Shylock hates Antonio be cause, according to the Jew, the merchant has repeatedly denigrated his race and religion. Grebanier points out, however, that in keeping with his virtuous character Antonio probably did not belittle Judaism rather Shylock himself, an issue the usurer confused with racial discrimination. For further commentary on Shylock's character, see the excerpts by Frank Kermode, E. F. C. Ludowyk, John Jilt Draper, Marvin Felheim, William Leigh Godshalk, John Dover Wilson, Watten D. Smith, and Lawrence Danson.]

These are the forces at work in The Merchant of Venice: the bountiful grace and liberality of Anto...