Although one is able to find a lot bias towards Jews in the play The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare is not to be blamed as an anti-Judaic person. Regarding the historical background and the probability of him not knowing a Jewish person, Shakespeare is to be declared as a typical mind of the Elizabethan age. The mentality of the Elizabethan age is resembled in the plot, therefore it was easy for the audience to understand and laugh about this comedy, particularly about the image of the Jew Shylock.
Shylock himself has a dominant aversion towards Christians and it is not mentioned whether this attitude derives from his sufferance or is a streak of him. The reader of the past-holocaust-age has a tendency to criticize the Christian behaviour throughout the plot, to feel pity with Shylock and to defend his actions and conduct.
A lot of evidence demonstrate fundamental differences and bias between the Jews and Christians in the play The Merchant of Venice. But one ought always consider the time, when the play was written, and the audience, for whom it was written. Fact is that Jews as Christians both pretend to act pious but evidently do not.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1.0 The historical background of Jews in the Middle Ages respectivley during the Elizabethan age
- 1.1 Shakespeare's knowledge of Hebraic Accompany
- 2.0 Shylock's attitude towards Christians
- 2.1 Jewish bias
- 2.2 Shylock's defendence
- 3.0 Attitude towards Jews and Christians by authorities
- 3.1 The form of address towards Shylock
- 3.2 The treatment of Shylock
- 3.3 The form of address and treatment towards Antonio
- 4.0 The protait of the Christans in The Merchant of Venice
- 4.1 Proof for Christian behaviour
- 4.1.1 Portia's request for mercy
- 4.1.2 Antonio's charity and Christian values
- 4.2 Christian hypocrisy
- 4.3 Jessica's conversion
- 4.1 Proof for Christian behaviour
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to analyze the differences between Jews and Christians in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", focusing on the Elizabethan era and Shakespeare's historical context. The analysis examines the portrayal of Shylock and the overall treatment of Jews within the play, considering the historical backdrop of anti-Semitism and prejudice.
- The historical context of Jews in Elizabethan England and the impact of anti-Semitism on the portrayal of Shylock.
- Shylock's perspective on Christians, including his feelings of marginalization and his defense of Jewish beliefs.
- The treatment of Jews and Christians by authorities, with particular attention to the Duke of Venice's role in the play.
- The depiction of Christian characters and the potential for hypocrisy and prejudice within the Christian community.
- The exploration of themes like religious bias, social exclusion, and the complexities of identity in the context of religious difference.
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the play's historical context, including its publication history and the enduring debate surrounding Shakespeare's portrayal of Jews. The chapter also introduces the focus of the analysis on the differences between Jews and Christians in the play, with a particular emphasis on the Elizabethan era.
- 1.0 The historical background of Jews in the Middle Ages respectively during the Elizabethan age: This chapter explores the historical context of Jewish expulsion from England and the prevailing anti-Semitic attitudes of the time. It also examines how these historical realities influenced Shakespeare's understanding and portrayal of Jewish characters.
- 1.1 Shakespeare's knowledge of Hebraic Accompany: This chapter examines Shakespeare's possible sources of knowledge about Judaism, considering the limited exposure he may have had to Jewish people and the prevalent stereotypes and legends about Jews in Elizabethan England.
- 2.0 Shylock's attitude towards Christians: This chapter delves into Shylock's portrayal as a representative of the Jewish community and his complex relationship with Christians. It analyzes his statements and actions, highlighting his calculated approach to interacting with Christians and his resistance to assimilation.
- 2.1 Jewish bias: This chapter explores Shylock's justification for his attitude towards Christians, analyzing his claim that Antonio hates him for being a Christian. It also examines Shylock's defense of usury, drawing upon the Old Testament to challenge the Christian prohibition against lending money at interest.
- 2.2 Shylock's defense: This chapter analyzes Shylock's defense of Jewish identity and his challenge to the Christian value judgment that separates Jews from Christians. It examines his famous "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech and the complexities of his character, showcasing his both calculating and sentimental nature.
- 3.0 Attitude towards Jews and Christians by authorities: This chapter examines the treatment of Jews and Christians by authorities in the play, focusing on the Duke of Venice as a representative figure. It analyzes the Duke's role in the trial scene, exploring his preference for the Christian merchant Antonio and his refusal to show respect for the Jewish accuser, Shylock.
- 3.1 The form of address towards Shylock: This chapter analyzes the Duke's form of address towards Shylock, highlighting his disrespectful use of the term "Jew" and his reduction of Shylock to his religious identity. The analysis underscores the prevailing anti-Semitic attitudes of the time and their influence on the play's portrayal of Jews.
- 3.2 The treatment of Shylock: This chapter will likely delve deeper into the Duke's treatment of Shylock, potentially highlighting instances of prejudice and bias within the legal system. It may analyze the Duke's reluctance to grant Shylock his due under the law and explore the potential for corruption and manipulation in the judicial process.
- 3.3 The form of address and treatment towards Antonio: This chapter will likely contrast the Duke's treatment of Shylock with his treatment of Antonio, highlighting the preferential treatment given to the Christian merchant. The analysis may explore the Duke's willingness to prioritize Christian interests over the needs of a Jewish character.
- 4.0 The protait of the Christans in The Merchant of Venice: This chapter examines the portrayal of Christian characters in the play, focusing on the complexities of Christian behavior. It analyzes examples of both Christian charity and hypocrisy, exploring the potential for prejudice within the Christian community.
- 4.1 Proof for Christian behaviour: This chapter examines specific examples of Christian behavior, such as Portia's request for mercy and Antonio's acts of charity. It explores the contradictions between ideal Christian values and the realities of Christian behavior in the play.
- 4.1.1 Portia's request for mercy: This chapter may analyze Portia's role in the trial and her request for mercy, examining the potential for Christian compassion and understanding in the face of religious difference.
- 4.1.2 Antonio's charity and Christian values: This chapter may explore Antonio's acts of charity and his professed Christian values, analyzing the complexities of his character and the potential for hypocrisy and self-righteousness.
- 4.2 Christian hypocrisy: This chapter will likely examine instances of Christian hypocrisy, analyzing situations where Christian characters exhibit prejudice and bias against Jews. The analysis may explore the tension between Christian values and the realities of social and religious prejudice.
- 4.3 Jessica's conversion: This chapter may analyze Jessica's conversion from Judaism to Christianity, exploring the social and economic pressures that may have influenced her decision. It may also analyze the potential consequences of her conversion for her relationship with her father, Shylock.
Keywords
Key terms and concepts explored in this work include: anti-Semitism, Elizabethan England, Jewish identity, Christian prejudice, religious bias, Shylock, The Merchant of Venice, usury, legal system, social exclusion, and the complexities of identity.
- Quote paper
- Claudia Oldiges (Author), 2002, Jews and Christians in The Merchant of Venice, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/58918
