How does Shakespeare want the audience for Shylock?

He shall have merely justice and his bond.” For the audience, this will fuel their amusement at Shylock’s misfortune. Shakespeare will want them to feel that Shylock deserves the rejection of the money, again for his evil actions earlier in the play.

How do most critics describe Shylock?

Although critics tend to agree that Shylock is The Merchant of Venice’s most noteworthy figure, no consensus has been reached on whether to read him as a bloodthirsty bogeyman, a clownish Jewish stereotype, or a tragic figure whose sense of decency has been fractured by the persecution he endures.

How would you describe Shylock in the early scenes of the play?

Question: How would you describe Shylock in the early scenes of the play? Answer: In the first two scenes in which Shylock appears, he is as hard, as cold, and as keen as glittering steel. … Back to the The Merchant of Venice Examination Questions main page.

Why Is Shylock a villain?

In this play, through the archetypal lense, we can see that Shylock is a villain because of his hatred and his desire for revenge. Some people may see Shylock as a victim because during the time period in which the story is wrote, jewish people were treated like animals and given nearly no rights or role in society.

How does Shylock explain why he charges interest?

Antonio, Shylock says, is a Christian who lends money without interest, which makes more difficult the practice of usury, in which money is lent out at exorbitant interest rates. … Assuring Antonio that he means to be friends, Shylock offers to make the loan without interest.

How would you describe Shylock?

Shylock is a Jewish moneylender in Venice. He is unpopular with other characters who accuse him of practising usury. This means lending money with outrageously high rates of interest . … Even his daughter, Jessica, finds Shylock unbearable and she runs away from home, taking with her a chest of money and jewels.

How does Shylock’s speech reflect his character?

How do his speeches reflect his character as a whole? Shylock’s wit and rhetoric are exceptionally good and sharp edged. … He makes an impression with his rhetoric right with his entry. He mixes sarcasm, rebuke and counsel in his words to make stunning arguments.

What are the good qualities of Shylock?

Shylock is a grasping but proud and somewhat tragic figure, and his role and Shakespeare’s intentions continue to be the source of much discussion. In addition to his baser traits, Shylock is proud and has deep religious instincts.

What is the purpose of Shylock?

Shylock is a Jew who lends money to his Christian rival Antonio, setting the security at a pound of Antonio’s flesh. When a bankrupt Antonio defaults on the loan, Shylock demands the pound of flesh.

Was Shylock a victim or a villain?

At the end of The Merchant of Venice, Shylock has been both a victim and a villain. He is a victim of his religion, and a victim of his greed and overwhelming need for revenge.

What opinion can be formed about Shylock?

Explanation: Shylock was very cruel in nature. He was interested in personal wealth rather than on the personal likings and emotions. Shylock never respected the emotions of his daughter Jessica.

How is Shylock presented as a victim?

Shylock is a victim of harassment by the Christians, a victim of betrayal by his own daughter, and a victim of prejudice because he had to give up his religion due to wanting Antonio’s flesh. … Antonio insults Shylock verbally by calling him names, like a cutthroat dog, and by spitting on his Jewish gabardine.

What are the two primary reasons Shylock says he hates Antonio?

What are the two primary reasons Shylock says he hates Antonio? A) Antonio has spit on him and now he plans to run off with his daughter. B) Antonio plans to run off with his daughter and he is a Christian. C) Antonio is a Christian and his Christian business practices hurt Shylock’s business.

What does Antonio tell Shylock that he never does?

What does Antonio tell Shylock that he never does? He neither lends nor borrows.

How does Shylock justify his passion for his race and religion?

Shylock’s journey to the synagogue gives us the clue that he will take revenge on Antonio Shylock believes in the old Mosaic law, which prescribed an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. So, Shylock feels he is justified in taking revenge against an enemy of his religion and race. 6.

How does Antonio abuse Shylock?

Antonio and the other Christians of Venice routinely abuse Shylock, spitting on him and calling him a “cutthroat dog.” Shylock himself seems to relish his role as antagonist, saying about Antonio “I hate him for he is a Christian/…

How was Shylock betrayed?

Secondly, Shylock was betrayed by his daughter, Jessica; she stole his money and left him to go run away with a Christian, named Lorenzo. When Jessica eloped with Lorenzo, she took Shylock’s ducats and jewels. In the town Salario and Solanio are making fun of Shylock for being upset about his daughter and money.

What is the main point of Shylock’s speech?

In Act III, Scene I, Shylock’s speech provides an understanding to what fuels his revenge and why he is in his every right for revenge. Though, his revenge for Antonio can be considered Page 2 2 unmercifully and unsympathetic. Shylock is a character who has lost and suffered by the actions of others.

Was Shylock’s revenge justified?

He is a wealthy, moneylending Jew who practices usury. He’s revenge is justified for many reasons, these reasons include him being abused for being a Jew and a moneylender at the same time. … Shylock was a victim of an unjust trial which leaves Shylock’s will to live demolished as he is bloodthirsty for revenge.

How does Shylock justify his decision to take revenge?

Shylock wants revenge for years of Antonio’s mistreatment. … He explains that Shylock would rather take Antonio’s flesh than money to pay his debt because such an act would give him the revenge he has always wanted.