How was Shylock described?
Shylock is the antagonist and a tragic character in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. A Jewish merchant living in a Christian city, he comes across as greedy, jealous and vengeful. As opposed to his anti-Semitic nemesis and fellow businessman, Antonio, Shylock charges interest on his loans.
How does the Duke describe Shylock?
The duke has nothing but unkind words for Shylock. He calls him, “A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch / uncapable of pity, void and empty / From any dram of mercy.” This description recalls much of the antisemitic language in the play that refers to the Jewish Shylock as less than human.
What does Shylock say about Launcelot in Act 2 Scene 5?
Shylock warns Launcelot that Bassanio will not be as lenient a master as Shylock himself has been, and that Launcelot will no longer be at liberty to overeat and oversleep.
What is Shylock’s state of mind in Act 3 Scene 3?
Shylock’s mind has been warped into obsession not by Antonio alone, but by the persecutions visited on him by all of Christian Venice. He has taken Antonio as the embodiment of all his persecutors so that, in his pound of flesh, he can avenge himself against everyone.
Is Shylock a villain or a hero?
At the end of The Merchant of Venice, Shylock has been both a victim and a villain. He is a victim of his religion, and a victim of his greed and overwhelming need for revenge.
What is the purpose of Shylock?
Shylock is a Jew who lends money to his Christian rival Antonio, setting the security at a pound of Antonio’s flesh. When a bankrupt Antonio defaults on the loan, Shylock demands the pound of flesh.
What happens to Shylock in the end?
In the end – due to the efforts of Antonio’s well-wisher, Portia – Shylock is charged with attempted murder of a Christian, carrying a possible death penalty, and Antonio is freed without punishment. Shylock is then ordered to surrender half of his wealth and property to the state and the other half to Antonio.
How did Portia plead Shylock?
Portia’s plea for mercy is, in fact, directed at the whole society and the ideas in the play. Salvation will follow mercy, not justice. However, Shylock is a non-changing character, and her speech does not impress him that much. He replies, “My deeds upon my head!
What happens in Act 2 Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice?
Summary: Act II, scene ii Launcelot Gobbo, a servant of Shylock’s, struggles to decide whether or not he should run away from his master. Part of him, which he calls “[t]he fiend . . . at mine elbow,” wants to leave, while his conscience reminds him of his honest nature and urges him to stay (II. ii. 2 ).
What difference between Shylock and Bassanio is hinting at?
Here Shylock hints at Bassanio’s foolishness and lavish lifestyle. Bassanio is in debt, but still employing a servant. Shylock, the rich money lender is portrayed in sharp contrast to the extravagant debtor Bassanio.
Who has God like Amity?
These words are spoken by Lorenzo in Act III scene IV of The Merchant of Venice to Portia, a rich heiress in Belmont. Lorenzo describes the friendship between Antonio and Bassanio as God-like.
What does Shylock accuse Antonio of?
He calculates the interest which he will charge and announces: “Three months from twelve; then, let me see; the rate.” Shylock then accuses Antonio of having repeatedly spit upon him and called him a dog. In fact, Antonio says, Shylock may regard it as a loan to an enemy if he wishes.