In this scene we see two very different sides of Shylock-the father and the moneylender. What aspects of Shylock’s character are revealed through them?
Answers
Explanation:
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. The merchants, such as Antonio, curse and spit at Shylock because they believe this way of making money is immoral. They also seem to despise him for his culture and religion. Even his daughter, Jessica, finds Shylock unbearable and she runs away from home, taking with her a chest of money and jewels.
Shylock offers to loan Antonio (and therefore Bassanio) the sum of 3000 ducats, but instead of charging any interest he says he will take one pound of Antonio’s flesh if the money is not repaid within three months. When Antonio’s ships and wealth are lost, Shylock demands his pound of flesh.
The character of Shylock has been performed in many different ways. He is sometimes portrayed as evil and other times his behaviour is shown as the result of the bullying he suffers in Venice.
Character attributes
Greedy – Shylock seems to be more upset about the money that Jessica takes from him than the fact that his only daughter has run away.
Stubborn – when news of Antonio’s misfortune reaches Shylock he becomes set on claiming his pound of flesh, even though this will most likely kill Antonio.
Victimised – Shylock is hated by the merchants in Venice not only for his methods of making money, but also for his religion. One of the main topics of discussion about this play is whether Shylock is actually a villain or a victim.
Friends and enemies
Shylock’s friends are limited to:
Tubal – a Jewish friend and fellow moneylender
Jessica – his daughter runs away because our house is hell
His enemies are:
Antonio – who lends money without interest, undercutting Shylock
Portia – disguised as Balthazar she ensures that Shylock loses all his wealth
Changes in character
Shylock is quick to reject Bassanio’s invitation to dinner on the basis that he will not be friends with Christians. However, later he delivers a powerful speech about the common humanity that Jews and Christians share.
Initially he seems entirely concerned with money and material wealth, yet later when he learns that Jessica has sold a turquoise ring we see a sentimental side to this character.
Shylock takes the bond that he strikes with Antonio more seriously as the play progresses. He becomes increasingly obsessed with claiming the pound of flesh that he has been promised.
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Answer:in the picture
