Question

Write a character sketch on Shylock and Jessica

Answer 1

There is no understanding Shylock in the Merchant of Venice without knowing something of the historical position of Jews in Europe and England. In short, Jews were generally hated. They were relegated to specific town sectors for living quarters. During the various Crusades, knights would stop along their way and slay Jews on their journey to Jerusalem. Jews were forbidden to work at most jobs, leaving the role of money lender as one of their only non-menial options. Many countries had expelled Jews .

The character of Jessica, when she is analysed carefully, reveals a number of different competing interpretations. On the one hand, it is possible to view her as a daughter who has suffered greatly because of her father and his miserly nature. She complains to Launcelot in Act II scene 3 for example that the house of her father "is hell" and she is sad that he will leave, as he offered the only light and happiness that she was able to experience. She is shut up and locked up just as carefully as her father's wealth, and it is clear that this would be difficult for her to cope with.