Analysis of the character of Shyalock:
The Elizabethan Age is considered to be the Golden Age in the history of English literature.
Shakespeare is the most distinguished, brilliant, important and influential writer among the
dramatists and leading figures of this period. He is a well-known dramatist and poet of this
age. The Merchant of Venice is one of the most popular plays of Shakespeare. Shylock is
the most remarkable as well as the memorable character in The Merchant of Venice
created by the famous English writer William Shakespeare. Shakespeare creates a lot of
characters in his writings but Shylock is one of Shakespeare's greatest dramatic creations.
The character of Shylock has added a multi-dimension in creating characters in tragedy
and comedy of Shakespeare.
Shakespeare‘s genius enables him to create a delicate balance between the theme of love
and marriage between Bassanio and Portia, Jessica and Lorenzo on one side and the theme of
revenge (Shylock and Antonio) on the other side. The readers and the audience of the play
compelled to follow the two parallel themes and plots carefully and anxiously. Hence,
Shakespeare was successful enough to keep his readers and audience following the play till
the last moment.
Although the play has two conflicting themes, love and revenge and hatred, some critics
evaluate it as a comedy. However, the play is more a tragedy than a comedy. It is because of
Shylock. The theme of revenge and hatred between the Jewish character, Shylock and
Antonio dominates the whole play. Shylock is the villainous hero of the play who tries to take
revenge on Antonio but finally harms himself, Shakespeare was influenced by this tragic
figure, Barabas, in portraying his own tragic figure, Shylock. In fact, Shylock‘s tragic events
and way of thinking confirm the idea that the play is more a tragedy than a comedy; the
theme of revenge between Shylock and Antonio is much more absorbing than the theme of
love between Bassanio and Portia.
The character of the “Jew “ , Shylock has been painted in an unfavourable colour. It reveals a
bias against the Jews prevailing in that period. Shakespeare presents the Jewish character as
tragic, devilish, villainous, revengeful, cruel, bloody, materialistic, greedy, selfish and
Machiavellian character. The creation of Shylock is one of the triumphs of Shakespeare’s art
of characterization. He is of a highly complex nature, and hence most varied and
contradictory estimates of his character have been given . Shakespeare has shown the Jew as
cruel, savage, relentless, vindictive, and greedy, with all the atrocity traditionally associated
with the Jewish character; and yet he has succeeded in enlisting sympathies for him.
Passion for revenge and passion for money are the two leading traits of Shylock’s character.
He is a miser who hoards, and for him even to spend a single penny is torture. He lives for
money; money is his life and soul. Perhaps even stronger than his love of money is his hatred
of Antonio as one of the Christians who had had persecuted his “tribe” so cruelly. For one
must not forget, in one’s estimate of Shylock’s character, the almost incredible oppression
under which the Jew lived in the middle Ages, not merely in Venice, but in every European
town.
Even his daughter Jessica, dislikes him and leaves him. Jessica says “the house is hell” and
very tedious. She is ashamed of her father. However, she thinks “though I am a daughter to
his blood, I am not to his manners”. His manners here refer to his behaviour. However,
Jessica chooses to end all this conflict by converting to Christianity and becoming a
Christian’s loving wife.
To an extent, we feel sorry for Shylock’s victimization based solely on his Jewishness. Apart
from Jessica who converts to Christianity, he is the only Jewish character and it feels he is
somewhat ganged up on by all of the other characters.
Shylock , the Moneylender and Merchant: Shylock is a Jewish moneylender in Venice. He is
known for his shrewd business skills and his profession as a usurer, lending money at high
interest rates. This aspect of his character plays a significant role in the plot of "The Merchant
of Venice."
Shylock and his demand of a Pound of Flesh: Shylock's most famous demand is for a pound
of Antonio's flesh as collateral for a loan. This becomes a central plot point and source of
conflict in the play. Shylock's insistence on the literal fulfillment of the contract reflects the
harsh and unforgiving nature often associated with moneylenders of the time.
Discrimination and Prejudice against Shylock: Shylock faces discrimination and anti-Semitic
attitudes throughout the play due to his Jewish heritage. The play explores the themes of
prejudice and the mistreatment of individuals based on their religious or ethnic background.
Shylock's famous speech, "Hath not a Jew eyes?" reflects his humanity and his response to
the mistreatment he endures.
Complex Characteristic Shades of Shylock: While Shylock is often portrayed as a villain, his
character is more complex than a simple antagonist. His desire for revenge is fuelled by the
mistreatment he receives, and the play raises questions about the nature of justice and mercy.
Shylock's character allows for exploration of the complexities of human motivation and the
consequences of discrimination.
Redemption or Tragedy: Shylock's story can be viewed as either a tragic narrative or a
potential for redemption, depending on the interpretation of the play. Some productions
emphasise the harsh treatment Shylock receives, presenting him as a tragic figure who is a
victim of societal prejudice. Others focus on his unrelenting pursuit of vengeance, portraying
him as a more villainous character.
To conclude , it can be said that Shylock ultimately surrendered to the will of the
Christians where he had to forsake his religion because he becomes a victim of his villainy.
When the religion changed, the ideology modified and so did the identity. He might not
threaten each person in the future. He would be forced to comply with the rules of Venice the
way Christians appreciated. Therefore, he lost all forms of power for his homes had been
confiscated, and after his dying, he had to will half of his property to his "Christian" daughter
and her Christian lover. Shylock's ideology went beneath exchange leading to a trade in his
self and identity.
Shakespeare painted Shylock as the hero “the depository of the vengeance of his race”
through his dramatic instinct. Audiences and readers sympathize with Shylock, the hero, as
he leaves the stage as a towering figure, ruling over the man who spat upon him. He was
tricked out of all his rights and wealth. He was in need of power and wealth for these were
the two most powerful things by which he protected himself from the violently hostile
Christians. The tenacity and resoluteness make his character an unforgettable one in spite of
all the good natured characters surrounding him. He was undoubtedly provoked to do all the
wrongs but was definitely more sinned against than sinning.
