Shylock (Shakespeare)

Shylock is a character in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. He is Jewish, a central part of the plot, and Shakespeare's use of this character has raised questions over anti-semitism.

Related Topics:
Shakespeare - The Merchant of Venice - Jew - Anti-semitism

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A moneylender during a time (the late 16th century) in which Jews, despised as "usurers" in Christian communities for charging interest on loans, were relegated to ghettos, Shylock has a grudge against all Christians, particularly a rival merchant, Antonio. When Antonio comes to him for a loan to finance his friend Bassanio's wedding, Shylock proposes as his bond a pound of flesh cut from Antonio's body should he default. Antonio agrees, thinking it a joke. When the ships carrying Antonio's investments sink, however, Shylock is adamant he should receive the flesh as agreed, even though it would kill Antonio. Further embittered by his daughter Jessica's elopement with Lorenzo, a Christian and friend of Antonio's, Shylock becomes obsessed with receiving his bond.

Related Topics:
Moneylender - 16th century - Usurers - Christian - Interest - Loan - Ghetto - Bond - Investment - Elopement

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Called before the royal court, Shylock ignores all pleas for mercy and is about to cut Antonio when the judge (actually Bassanio's fiancée Portia in disguise) stops him, saying that if he sheds one drop of Antonio's blood, which was not explicitly stated as owed in the bond, he will lose not only blood, but all his property and his life. Suddenly pleading for mercy, Shylock agrees to give up his wealth — one half to the state, the other to Portia and Bassanio — and become a Christian.

Related Topics:
Judge - Property - Wealth

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