The Merchant of Venice. Consider the complexities of Shylock's character with detailed reference to and evaluations of different interpretations.
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- Thu Jan 13 2005

... The Merchant of Venice. Consider the complexities of Shylock's character with detailed reference to and evaluations of different interpretations. The Merchant of Venice was written in 1599 and set in Italy; However as Shakespeare lived in England, it is more likely that he wrote the play depicting London. At the time it was classed as a comedy this is because Shakespeare wrote for the common people, and they would have the same prejudices and attitudes of ancient Christian Jewish hatred and seen Shylock as an outsider. The Christians looked down upon the Jews; they saw them as 'scum', this could be because the Jews were better businessmen than the Christians. Shakespeare shows this in The Merchant of Venice, as he has portrayed Shylock as a moneylender who is successful at his business and is very wealthy. Then we have Antonio who is a Christian merchant, who has been spreading













