is syklock is villiam or victam or a combination of both ?d discuss
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In The merchant of Venice, shylock is portrayed as an evil Jew, a villain as well as a victim. he is villain for Antonio as he wins his trust by his flattering words and makes him sign the bond.First he pretends that he is being much kind by not taking any interest and also signing the bond saying that if Antonio fails to pay the debt, he will take his pound of flesh from any part of body he chooses. He wanted to prove that he not only cares about money but is also extraordinary kind . But when Antonio fails to pay back, he shows no mercy towards him and demands the penalty i.e. the pound of flesh from his heart.
He is also a victim as his daughter broke his trust and ran away with a Christian Lorenzo. this part of story shows shylock as a a pathetic creature. he is disheartened as his daughter Jessica eloped with Lorenzo, who was a Christian and moreover was Antonio and Bassanio's friend. However, he was more worried about his money and jewels rather than Jessica and wished that she was dead with all the jewels and money besides her. This shows how cruel Shylock was not only towards Antonio and other Christians but also towards his own daughter.