Hath Not a Jew Eyes? The Identity of Shylock and Purpose of Anti-Semiti

Shakespeares The merchant of Venice continues to receive review article because of the many controversial topics integrated within an already debatable plot. superstar such reproach is whether the play demonstrates factors of anti-Semitism or persists as a criticism of the anti-Sematic tendencies of Christians during Shakespeares time. The factor of genre plays an essential role in how the play is interpreted when regarding anti-Semitism, particularly when viewed as either a amatory comedy or a genre that better encompasses the financial, moral, and ghostly deviation that is so prominent throughout the play. For instance, when analyzed as a comedy, usurers malevolence whitethorn not exactly be reviewed as comical, but neverthe slight seems peculiar and outrageous at times. From a religious point of view, however, the vehement interactions between usurer and Antonio are clearly centered on revenge and appear much more violent than a comedic standpoint may suggest. Furthermore, because the play is laced with cobwebs of fraud, theft, and speculation on all sides, it is less about the pursuit of love than about the pursuit, possession, and power of money (Russin 115). In short, while some elements of the play may be substantially contrasting in regards to the context of todays time period versus Shakespeares time period since the complexity and rich use of language may be particularly susceptible to various interpretations, there are many examples that clearly demonstrate certain actions of Jewish oppression. Specifically, Shakespeare implicitly explores trends of anti-Semitism and establishes an enigmatic identity for Shylock by providing both a symbolic portrayal of the Jewish culture and a distinct dichotomy between Shylock and Antonio. Sh... ...ict imbedded within the text. Works CitedAnti-Semitism and The Merchant of Venice A Discussion disembowel for Educators. New York Anti-Defamation League, 2006. Print. Coonradt, Nicole. Shakespeares Grand D eception The Merchant of Venice- Anti-Semitism as Uncanny Causality and the Catholic-Protestant Problem. Religion and the Arts. 11 (2007) 74-97. Print. Rosenshield, Gary. Deconstructing the Christian Merchant Antonio and the The Merchant of Venice. Shofar An interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies. 20.2 (2002) 28-51. Print. Russin, Robin. The Triumph of the princely Fleece Women, Money, Religion, and Power in Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice. Shofar An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies. 31.3 (2013) 115-130. Print. Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. New York Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2010. Print.