Custom Essay - Racial Prejudice and Anti-Semitism in The Merchant of Venice :: Merchant of Venice Essays

Racial Prejudice and anti-Semitism in The merchandiser of Venice William Shakespeares comedy, The Merchant of Venice, uses satire to present Shakespeares views on racial prejudice and anti-Semitism. The premise deals with the antagonistic relationship between usurer, a Judaic moneylender and Antonio, the Christian merchant, who is as generous as usurer is greedy. This screen go out examine how the themes of racial prejudice, and anti-Semitism are presented in The Merchant of Venice. usurer is stereotypically described as costumed in a recognizably Jewish way in a long gown of gabardine, belike black, with a red beard and/or wing like that of Judas, and a hooked putty nose or bottle nose (Charney, p. 41). Shylock is a defensive character because society is constantly reminding him he is several(predicate) in religion, looks, and motivation. He finds solace in the law because he, himself, is an outcast of society. Shylock is an outsider who is not privy to the rights acc orded to the citizens of Venice. The Venetians regard Shylock as a capitalist motivated solely by greed, while they saw themselves as Christian paragons of piety. When Shylock considers taking Antonios bond using his ships as collateral, his jaundice is evident when he quips, But ships are but board, sailors but men. in that respect be land rats and water rats, water thieves and land thieves -- I wet pirates -- and then there is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks (I.iii.25). Shylock believes the Venetians are hypocrites because of their slave ownership. The Venetians rid their practice of slavery by saying simply, The slaves are ours (IV.i.98-100). During the trial sequence, Shylock persuasively argues, You have among you many a purchased slave, which (like your asses and your dogs and mules). You us in measly and in slavish parts, because you bought them, shall I say to you, let them be free, adopt them to your heirs... you will answer, The slaves are ours, -- so do I an swer you The vex of flesh (which I demand of him) is dearly bought, tis mine and I will have it (IV.i.90-100). Shakespeares depiction of the Venetians is paradoxical. They are, too, a capitalist people and readily remove his money, however, shun him personally. Like American society, 16th century Venice sought to change integrity their commercial reputation through integration, but at the same time, ripe social exclusion.