What is the main message of Merchant of Venice?

The main theme of The Merchant of Venice is the conflict between self interest and love. On the surface level, the major difference between Shylock the Jew and the Christian characters of the play is their level of compassion.

What is the short summary of Merchant of Venice?

Antonio, an antisemitic merchant, takes a loan from the Jew Shylock to help his friend to court Portia. Antonio can’t repay the loan, and without mercy, Shylock demands a pound of his flesh. The heiress Portia, now the wife of Antonio’s friend, dresses as a lawyer and saves Antonio.

Is Shylock a villain or a real merchant?

Shylock is a fictional character in William Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice (c. 1600). A Venetian Jewish moneylender, Shylock is the play’s principal antagonist. His defeat and conversion to Christianity form the climax of the story.

What is the business of Shylock?

Shylocks, who are basically loan sharks, bank on the sanctity of a contract law that a borrower signs. These contracts are worded to act as a snare to the borrowers who usually misinterpret them. Most end up failing to meet the deadline and their items get auctioned.

Who is Shylock in The Merchant of Venice?

Get a 100% Unique Essay on Merchant of Venice – Shylock for $13,9/Page. Shylock is portrayed as both a victim and a villain and our sense of him evolves as his character is revealed to us as “The Merchant of Venice. We are first introduced to Shylock in Act I Scene III when we learn about his job as a moneylender.

Why is Shylock a victim of the play?

Shylock is a victim of the play because he is mistreated. Shylock is being abused by Christians but mostly Antonio. Shylock says, “You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, / And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine, / And all for use of that which is mine own.” (1.3.107-109).

Why was Shylock unyielding in his desire?

Shylock is unyielding in his desire. The pound of flesh is worth more to him than ten times the amount of ducats owed. More so, he rejects any appeal to the divine sanction of mercy, and believes to have his bond is lawfully and morally “right.

What is the dual nature of The Merchant of Venice?

In William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” there are many themes, symbols, and words alike which take on a complex and dual nature. Not only can lines in the play be interpreted by the audience in multiple ways, but they are also meant to have multiple meanings. This duality can be seen in the characters as well.