On the Character of Shylock in The Merchant of VeniceByZhang XiaomingA 2006 Undergraduate of the School of Foreign Languages of Anqing Teachers CollegeSupervisor: Li MingMay 25th, 2006On the Character of Shylock inThe Merchant of VeniceThesis statement: Shylock is not a complete villain, but a tragic figure who is more sinned against than sinning. Outline I. Brief introduction about the comedy and ShylockII. Analysis of the character of ShylockA. Shylock as a Jewish usurerB. Shylock who endured abuse but forgave easilyC. Shylocks attitude towards his eloped daughterD. Shylocks attitude towards the customs and the lawIII. My view of Shylock On the Character of Shylock in The Merchant of VeniceAuthor: Zhang Xiaoming Supervisor: Li MingI. Brief introduction about the comedy and ShylockShylock is the most vivid and memorable character in The Merchant of Venice, and he is one of Shakespeares greatest dramatic creations. On stage, it is Shylock who makes the play, and almost all of the great actors of the English and Continental stage have attempted the role. But the character of Shylock has also been the subject of much critical debate: Is he a bloodthirsty villain? Or is he a man “more sinned against than sinning”? In my opinion,though Shylock is technically the antagonist in the play, it is easy to sympathize him with his plight. During this period in history, Jews were harassed, killed, spit upon, and treated little better than animals (unless of course someone wanted to borrow some money). Antonio had spit upon him in the past, stolen his customers by lending money to them without interest, stolen one of Shylocks servants, whose friend then eloped with his only daughter. (中间段落已被省略！范文仅供参考！)II. Analysis of the Character of Shylock A. Shylock as a Jewish usurerShakespeare created a living portrait that has caused critics to wonder whether Shylock is merely a comic villain or the tragic victim of Christian cruelty. The story of the Jews in medieval Europe throws a good deal of light on the events of the play and provides us with the Shakespearean frame of reference which is necessary for an understanding of both the major themes and minor details which are the fabric of The Merchant of Venice.(中间段落已被省略！范文仅供参考！) It is troubling that Shakespeare has Shylock say in an aside, as soon as Bassanio introduces to Antonio, “I hate him for he is a Christian.”1 This is not a rational reason to hate anyone and is the first warning of trouble. Shylock does indeed have a problem with Antonio, not because he is a Christian, but rather, as Shylock explains: “He Antonio lends out money gratis and brings down/The rate of usance here with us in Venice.”2 This was not simply a case of greed on Shylocks part; the Jews of that time had no other way to earn money. They were not allowed to own land, and most occupations were closed to them. By lending money without interest, Antonio was depriving Shylock of his only source of income. (中间段落已被省略！范文仅供参考！)B. Shylock who endured abuse but forgave easilyShylock is first encountered in conversation with Bassanio. An examination of Shylocks interactions with other people prior to his discovery of Jessicas betrayal reveals no unpleasantness except with regard to Antonio. But Shakespeare describes Antonio as sad and weary; if Antonio had a more sanguine personality, the relationship might have been different. There is no evidence of evil intent in Shylocks attitude when he is discussing the requested loan with Bassanio:Shylock: Three thousand ducats; well. Bassanio: Ay, sir, for three months. Shylock: For three months; well. Bassanio: For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall be bound. Shylock: Antonio shall become bound; well. Bassanio: May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Shall I know your answer? Shylock: Three thousand ducats, for thee months, and Antonio bound. Antonio is a good man3 It is a matter of fact business interview, neither of the parties wasting words. With the curt but not impolite manner of the professional banker, Shylock simply reiterates the sum requested“Three thousand ducats.” But he is a business man. There is no reason for him to fall on Bassanios neck and express his eagerness to do a deal. He must go cautiously, and see how urgent Bassanio is, and how much therefore he can increase his own gains in the deal by stipulating a more or even a much more profitable rate of interest. There is no suggestion of sarcasm in the word “Antonio is a good man”, although it certainly can be played that way. Shylock explains what he means: that Antonio is sufficient as a guarantor, even though his ships are at sea and their fate is uncertain. He concludes, “I think I may take his bond. I will be assured I may May I speak with Antonio?”4 Bassanio