ELA Post #17

Elliott Conely
Kim Harrison
ELA
2/20/17

Antisemitism in The Merchant of Venice

Antisemitism is present throughout The Merchant of  Venice.  This is demonstrated by the way Shylock, a Jewish money lender, is treated.  He is insulted by Antonio, a merchant who borrowed money from him.  Shylock is looked down upon by all of the christians in Venice. It seems that Shylock is portrayed as a villain from the start, just because he is Jewish.  Shylock is portrayed as a greedy money lender who loves money more than his daughter.  His stereotypical portrayal is how much of the plays original audience would have seen all Jews.