The Merchant of Venice:Tragedy or Comedy?

Cayla Schmitt Lexi Neltner

Quinn Scheiner Samantha Monahan

Act I scene iii: How like a fawning publican he looks. I hate him for he is a Christian; but more, in low simplicity he lends out money gratis and brings down the rate of usance here with us in Venice. If I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. He hates our sacred nation, and he rails, even there where the merchants most do congregate, on me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift, which he calls interest. Cursed by my tribe if I forgive him.

http://pub.erinzpub.com/en/merchant_of_venice

Anti- Christian

Language

Act II Scene II Anti-Semetism(Lines 1-29)Lancelot: Certainly my

conscience will serve me to run from my Jew this master. The fiend is at my elbow and tempts me saying…run away.”

Act 11 Scene IV Anti-Christian(Lines 29-31)Lorenzo: I must tell the all.

She hath directed how I shall take her from her father’s house, what gold and jewels she is furnished with…

“Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?”

Anti-semitism

Shylock’s ‘I am a Jew’ speech proves anti-semitism because he is describing how the Christians in Venice treated him.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/64/64_images/

Anti-Christian (Act 4 Scene 1)

Shylock wants to kill Antonio for his own humor (Page 94), but that is not right to the Christians. Shylock makes fun of Bassanio and Gratiano for being “Christian husbands” and claims that his daughter won’t marry a Christian. (Page 104) Shylock calls Antonio “The Christian.” (page 105) Shylock proves that he follows the law and not the Bible.

Anti-Semitism:They call Shylock “the Jew” (page 95) “harsh Jew.” (page 97)

The Merchant of Venice is a Tragedy because… In today's world, no one would ever be allowed to be treated like that. Shylock is treated so terribly that all he wants is what Antonio signed to give him. It's a little sad to think that even after all Shylock's been through that he is still considered the villain. if this were a movie today, all the Christians would probably be considered the malicious villain(s).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYv14pTTYV4

Merchant of Venice: Act III, Scene 1