Love and Hate Depicted in Shakespeares Merchant of Venice Essay

Love and abhor Depicted in Shakespeares merchant of Venice The merchandiser of Venice is a play two about jazz and hate. Shakespeare illustrates the theme of hate most prominently by means of the prejudices of both Christians and Jews and their behaviour towards one another. The theme of kip down is shown amongst the Christians, in the love of friendship and marital love. The themes are emphasised in the settings of the play, Belmont symbolising love and Venice symbolising hate. As well as this the immorality of various characters place be seen in their motives for love and hate. The entire play is centred around racial prejudices between Christians and Jews and their hate for one another. In The Merchant of Venice Shylock, the Jew, is characterised as the scapegoat, besides as the Judaic have been throughout history. Shylocks prejudice and dislike for the Christians is largely based on their mistreatment of him Signior Antonio, many a time and oftentimes in the Rialto yo u have rated me about my moneys and my usences still have I borne it with a patient shrug, for sufferance is the badge of all our tribe. You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog. And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, and all for use of that which is mine own. (Shylock- 1,3,102-9) Shylock feels the wrath of an unequal caller and is frustrated by it Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? Fed with the equivalent food, hurt with the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? (Shylock- 3,1,54-60) Shylocks hatred for the Christians is what causes him to pursue his retaliate on Antonio. This action is very significant as Shylocks business is ingestion and in his pursuit for reven... ...ll and is only interested in her for her wealth In Belmont is a lady richly left, and she is fair, and, fairer than that word, of wondrous virtues sometimes from her eyes I did receive fair speechless messages her nam e is Portia nothing undervalud to Catos daughter, Brutus Portia nor is the world nescient of her worth, for the four winds blow in from every coast renowned suitors. (Bassanio- 1,1,161-9) The Merchant of Venice is a play both about love and hate. This can be seen through the Jewish and Christian prejudices, the relationships between the characters and the two settings for the play, Belmont and Venice. Shakespeare often incorporated the themes of love and hate in his plays, either as the main plot, or a sub plot as such in The Merchant of Venice. Love and Hate are the backbone of the main plot, collectively they discombobulate the story together.