quote few mythological allusions mentioned in merchant of venice till act 2 scene 1 ?
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What are the mythological and biblical allusions used in The Merchant of Venice?
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LORNA STOWERS eNotes educator | CERTIFIED EDUCATOR
There are numerous allusions made throughout William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. The allusions made are meant to make the reader think about how the allusion makes a statement about what is going on in the text. Allusions are tricky though; if a reader is unfamiliar with the allusion being made, it loses its power. The allusion, therefore, comes to mean nothing for the reader and the reference is lost.
Act 1 contains numerous mythological allusions and one main biblical allusion. The mythological allusions are those of Sibylla (Apollo's lover), Diana (the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature), and Jason (whose search involved the epic golden fleece). The biblical allusion made in this act is where Jesus casts demons into a heard of swine (Matthew 8:31). Many of the mythological references made in this act speak to the actions of gods and goddesses on behalf of those they loved. The reference to the Bible speaks to the power Jesus had over the demons and the grace he showed them by allowing them to take over the pigs, run into the water to die, and have control of their own fate.
Act 2 also possesses numerous mythological references. There are references to the Fates, Cupid, and Jason's staff. The Fates are referenced when Launcelot and Old Gobbo are discussing the idea that fate, or the Fates, are dead and no longer in control of life. Cupid is referenced when Jessica is speaking about him blushing to see her dressed as a boy. This is actually ironic, given that Cupid, like love, is blind. For him to be able to blush, he would have to be able to see Jessica dressed as a boy, which would take the power of love being blind away. Bassanio, in this act, evokes Jason's task to gain the golden fleece (something his uncle thinks to be impossible) to gaining Portia's love, and her own "golden" locks (hair). A biblical allusion to Jacob's staff also appears in this act. Here, Shylock brings up the story of Jacob's actions being those brought about through his actions, which Shylock states were done through the intervention of God. He does this to illustrate that his own actions are inspired and accepted by God.
Act 3 contains a couple of references to mythology: Hercules and King Midas. Morocco, a potential suitor to Portia, compares himself to Hercules in order to illustrate his great strength. Bassanio, mentally stronger than Morocco, tells the story of Midas and his golden touch. Knowing that gold aligns with a vice, and dismissing Midas's desire for wealth, Bassanio does not choose the golden casket, knowing the pain and distress the golden touch caused Midas.
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"The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare has a lot of mythological references that are intended to help the reader consider how well the reference conveys information regarding what is happening in the text.
Allusions, on the other hand, are problematic; if a person is unaware with both the reference getting conveyed, it has no impact. As a result, the allusion becomes meaningless to the reader, as well as the allusion is gone.
- Act 1 features several mythical connections as well as one major biblical reference.
- The mythical references include "Sibylla", Apollo's lover, "Diana", the deity of hunts, the moon, and wilderness, and Jason.
- This deed has a scriptural connection in which Jesus throws devils into a herd of pigs.
- A lot of the mythical allusions in this act allude to the goddesses and gods acting in the interest of of the those people they adore.
- The Biblical values to Jesus' authority over devils as well as the compassion he gave them by enabling him to assume charge of the swine, rush into to the sea to drown, and also have authority over their personal fate.
- Act 2 contains several legendary allusions. "The Fates", "Cupid", and Jason's spear are mentioned.
- When Launcelot meets Old Gobbo to discuss the concept of fate, or even the Fates, are gone and thus no longer in charge of existence, the Fates were mentioned.
- Cupid is mentioned while Jessica mentions his blushing upon seeing her disguised as a guy.
- Throughout this action, Bassanio compares Jason's job of obtaining the golden wool to obtaining Portia's affection as well as her "golden" hair.
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