The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is one of the most famous plays by William Shakespeare, written at an uncertain date between 1594 and 1597. It was entered in the Stationers' Register, the method at that time of obtaining copyright for a new play, by James Roberts on July 22, 1598. It was first printed in 1600 and again in a pirated edition in 1619. The play was mentioned by Francis Meres in 1598, so it must have been familiar on the stage by that date. Critics also debate over the resemblance of Shakespeare's play to Christopher Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta."

Related Topics:
William Shakespeare - 1594 - 1597 - Copyright - July 22 - 1598 - 1600 - 1619 - Francis Meres

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The comedy ("comedy" had a very different meaning at the time; see Shakespearean comedies) is most famous for its portrayal of the Jew Shylock, which has raised questions of anti-semitism about the author. Shylock is a tormented character but is also a tormenter, so whether he is to be viewed with disdain or sympathy is up to the reader.

Related Topics:
Comedy - Shakespearean comedies - Jew - Shylock - Anti-semitism

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Shakespeare put one of his most eloquent speeches into the mouth of this villain:

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:Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs

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:dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with

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:the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject

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:to the same diseases, heal'd by the same means

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:warm'd and cool'd by the same winter and summer

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:as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed?

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:If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you

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:poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?

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:Act III, scene i

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