The Case of Shylock vs. Antonio in The Merchant of Venice

Case Shylock vs. Antonio in The Merchant of Venice William Shakespeares tragic comedy The Merchant of Venice is recognized for the complex concepts that it puts across, considering that it relates to a wide range of fields. The English poet and playwright is also known to have incorporated a great deal of concepts into his plays with the purpose of appealing to an educated public. The Merchant of Venice is clearly legal in nature, considering the numerous law references present in the text. It is very likely that the play generated much controversy among law scholars from around the world. The dispute between Shylock and Antonio represents one of the most intriguing sections of the play and it certainly stands as an interesting legal case. While Shakespeare proposes arbitration as one of the most effective methods of resolving the conflict, it is probable that negotiation would have generated better results when considering matters from a logical point of view. The character of Shylock is certainly not one of the fairest individuals, but he considers that contracts are one of the most important factors assisting society in being organized. The fact that he is a Jew makes it difficult for him to conduct his daily activities without being persecuted and he is determined to have his oppressors pay for what they do. Although one might be inclined to believe that he takes things too far by asking for a pound of Antonios flesh as payback providing that he is unable toShow MoreRelated Essay on Justice vs. Morality in Measure for Measure and Merchant of Venice1107 Words   |  5 PagesJustice vs. Morality in Measure for Measure and Merchant of Venice    There are many similarities shared between Shakespeares plays, Measure for Measure, and The Merchant of Venice.   The underlying theme of each work is well defined by the phrase Justice without the temperance of mercy, is power misused.   I will support this claim by drawing upon some of the characters and situations that are consistent in each story. In each story a mans life depends on the interpretation, andRead MoreSir Gawain And The Merchant Of Venice899 Words   |  4 Pagesstudying the main characters from Beowulf, Sir Gawain and The Merchant of Venice. Together, these different elements will show the long-term influences of compassion and how all three individuals are embracing its important attributes to varying degrees. Beowulf vs. Sir Gawain vs. The Merchant of Venice The three characters that will be examined include: Beowulf, Sir Gawain and Shylock. In the case of Beowulf, he was the ultimate hero who embraces the ideals ofRead MoreMerchant of Venice - Apperance vs Reality1967 Words   |  8 PagesJasdeep Bains Mrs. Valdez ENG2D1-05 Wednesday May 28, 2008 Appearance Vs Reality in Merchant Of Venice This theme of Appearance Vs. Reality is used throughout the play to mislead and confuse so things may not always be what they seem. Shakespeare uses deception to enhance the unfolding drama and involve his audience more fully in the play – the audience are party to deceptions which the characters themselves are unaware of. Prejudice was common and the word â€Å"Jew† applied to hardhearted unscrupulousRead More Appearance vs. Reality in Merchant Of Venice Essay1949 Words   |  8 PagesThe theme of Appearance Vs. Reality is used throughout the play to mislead and confuse so things may not always be what they seem. Shakespeare uses deception to enhance the unfolding drama and involve his audience more fully in the play – the audience are party to deceptions which the characters themselves are unaware of. Prejudice was common and the word â€Å"Jew† applied to hardhearted unscrupulous moneylenders. An Elizabethan audience would have been happy to see a Jew, Spaniard or a Moor deceived