Question

What is the conflict between Antonio and Shylock in “The Merchant of Venice”? Does it have any roots in religion in 350 to 400 words​

Answer 1

Answer:

The conflict between Antonio and Shylock arises partly from religion and partly from economic causes. Antonio wants to borrow money from Shylock, who is employed as a moneylender. While he needs Shylock, Antonio also curses him. In addition, Shylock is a Jewish person, and Antonio is a Christian person, and anti-semitism on Antonio's part is a reason behind the feud between them. Shylock says to Antonio:

"Signior Antonio, many a time and oft/In the Rialto you have rated me/ About my moneys and my usances:/ Still have I borne it with a patient shrug, /For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe. /You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog,/ And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, /And all for use of that which is mine own."

In other words, Antonio has cursed Shylock for being a money lender, as "usances" refers to the practice of lending money and charging interest. Shylock believes he has handled this abuse with patience, as Jews suffer patiently and often at the hands of Christians who mock them. Antonio has abused Shylock and even spat on him because Shylock lends out money that belongs to him. However, Antonio now needs money from Shylock, which causes their conflict to become even more bitter.

Both Antonio and Shylock have had business dealings in the past. Shylock claims that Antonio has spit on him, called him a dog, and insulted him for lending money for profit.

He hath disgraced me and hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies—and what’s his reason?

Shylock says his famous lines about how a Jew is no different than a Christian,

I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?

We can surmise that much of this antagonism is rooted in religion. Antonio feels that Jews are inferior while Shylock feels persecuted by Christians.