The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare has caused a wave of debates for centuries after the play’s debut in 1605, and this wave increases to this day. One of the most debated topics of the Merchant of Venice between readers is the argument whether Shylock, a Jewish usurer, is a victim or a villain in the play. Labeled as the “devil” (1.3.107) and an “inhuman wretch” (4.1.4) by many Christians, Shylock’s wickedness identifies him as the major foe in the play. As the root of most trouble, Shylock starts problems with his usury and irrationality, yet he escapes trouble by hiding behind a mask of Judaism, his scapegoat. Through the dialogue and actions of its characters, the Merchant of Venice illustrates Shylock as the villain due to his
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Believing he has revenge to pay Antonio for all the degrading he receives, Shylock anxiously waits until he could fulfill his flesh bond and stab Antonio. The only thing that will make Shylock feel good about himself, except for thinking of his wealth, will be to get a pound of Antonio’s flesh after stabbing him, identifying him as a villain. While in the courthouse, Portia, as Balthazar, begins to make Shylock’s case, demanding that by law he is able to take the bond if he wants, making Shylock excited when hearing this. Urging on Portia to speak faster in his favor, Shylock shows his hatred for Antonio by stating, “Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear / There is no power in the tongue of man / To alter me. I stay here on my bond” (4.1.249-251). At this moment, he is urging on Portia to continue with her judgment, as she is helping him to get his bond. He shows his wickedness in that there is no one that could get revenge off of his mind, and he will not stop until he gets the bond. Shylock proves himself as a villain as he is trying to get the case to be rushed in his favor, giving no time for arguing, as he only wants his bond. The evil Shylock proves to all of Venice that his mind is set on revenge, and is determined to stab Antonio and cut out his flesh, representing his villainous …show more content…
Being greedy, Shylock only cares about money and himself, so when he finds that he is stuck in the law, he changes his mind about needing to go through with his bond. In open court, Portia alerts Shylock of possible consequences with the words, “nay, if the scale do turn / But in the estimation of a hair, / Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate” (4.1.344-46). Portia says that if Shylock sheds a drop of Antonio’s blood or takes more or less than a pound of flesh, he will lose everything. After hearing the possible penalties and knowing he can lose his wealth, the hypocritical Shylock replies, “Give me my principal and let me go” (4.1.350). Shylock finally offers mercy after hearing he can lose everything if he makes a mistake in cutting flesh from Antonio, and agrees to take the money. Shylock represents his true self to Venice as a villain because he only offers mercy to Antonio when learns that if he offers mercy he will acquire more money. All Shylock cares about is revenge, himself, and wealth, so if he cannot get revenge without risking everything, he will always take the money to better
Believing he has revenge to pay Antonio for all the degrading he receives, Shylock anxiously waits until he could fulfill his flesh bond and stab Antonio. The only thing that will make Shylock feel good about himself, except for thinking of his wealth, will be to get a pound of Antonio’s flesh after stabbing him, identifying him as a villain. While in the courthouse, Portia, as Balthazar, begins to make Shylock’s case, demanding that by law he is able to take the bond if he wants, making Shylock excited when hearing this. Urging on Portia to speak faster in his favor, Shylock shows his hatred for Antonio by stating, “Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear / There is no power in the tongue of man / To alter me. I stay here on my bond” (4.1.249-251). At this moment, he is urging on Portia to continue with her judgment, as she is helping him to get his bond. He shows his wickedness in that there is no one that could get revenge off of his mind, and he will not stop until he gets the bond. Shylock proves himself as a villain as he is trying to get the case to be rushed in his favor, giving no time for arguing, as he only wants his bond. The evil Shylock proves to all of Venice that his mind is set on revenge, and is determined to stab Antonio and cut out his flesh, representing his villainous …show more content…
Being greedy, Shylock only cares about money and himself, so when he finds that he is stuck in the law, he changes his mind about needing to go through with his bond. In open court, Portia alerts Shylock of possible consequences with the words, “nay, if the scale do turn / But in the estimation of a hair, / Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate” (4.1.344-46). Portia says that if Shylock sheds a drop of Antonio’s blood or takes more or less than a pound of flesh, he will lose everything. After hearing the possible penalties and knowing he can lose his wealth, the hypocritical Shylock replies, “Give me my principal and let me go” (4.1.350). Shylock finally offers mercy after hearing he can lose everything if he makes a mistake in cutting flesh from Antonio, and agrees to take the money. Shylock represents his true self to Venice as a villain because he only offers mercy to Antonio when learns that if he offers mercy he will acquire more money. All Shylock cares about is revenge, himself, and wealth, so if he cannot get revenge without risking everything, he will always take the money to better