Core Belief
"Shylock believes in strict adherence to the law and the sanctity of contracts. He also believes in an eye for an eye and feels justified in seeking revenge for the wrongs he has suffered."
Worldview
Shylock sees the world as divided along religious lines, with Christians as his oppressors and Jews as a persecuted minority. He views money and property as a means of self-preservation and a way to gain power in a hostile environment.
Personality
Shylock is portrayed as avaricious, vengeful, and deeply resentful of the Christians who scorn and mistreat him. He is driven by a desire for revenge against Antonio and the other Christians for their anti-Semitic behavior and financial losses. He is complex, displaying both a strong sense of injustice and a ruthless determination to exact his pound of flesh.
In Their Own Words
"Hath not a Jew eyes? hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die? and if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?"
"I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you."
"I'll have my bond; I will not hear thee speak: I'll have my bond; and therefore speak no more."
Discussions with Shylock
Other Characters from Shakespeare's play of the Merchant of Venice: Arranged for Representation at the Princess's Theatre, with Historical and Explanatory Notes by Charles Kean, F.S.A.
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