No Subject

[Shayla]

I agree. Shylock was only right in knowing that he would be wronged twice by Antonio. Forcing someone to change their religion and beliefs was not merciful. Although it could have been worse, Shylock could have lost his own life and do not forget that Shylock refused to be merciful, he was out for blood (of course within some justified reason because of how he was treated and the persecution he suffered). I think "The Merchant of Venice" is a captivating play, that corresponds with real sensitive and serious issues that were existent in society during Shakespeare's time and these issues (i.e., of prejudice) still linger on today.

[Paul]

This is a response to help KT. Hey KT, I'm an English education major in New York. Remember, Shylock's "punishment" may not have seemed like a punishment during the time of the play. Shylock was Jewish, and as Orthodox Christians would believe, Shylock's soul was in danger. By not being Christian, Shylock's soul, according to the Christians of the time, would be eternally damned. Since Shylock was forced to become a Christian, the audience would feel that his soul is being saved -- which means Antonio, Bassonia, and Portia were helping Shylock, in a convoluted way

[Biff]

I most certainly agree with so called 'Paul'. It may seem harsh to us now but at the time it was written it would have seemed like they were doing Shylock a favour. However, I think that Portia, Antonio etc would have still felt that it was a punishment for him because he believed so strongly in his faith.

[David]

I noticed that it is in some way ironic that the Christians force Shylock to convert, afterall, Shylock is the only devout character in the play. The only time that any of the Christians speaks of the church is when Portia tells Bassanio, "First go with me to church and call me wife", which hardly shows devoutness, as there would have been no alternative. Compare this to Shylock's repeated religious allusions - Act 2, scene 1, with the conversation about Jacob and the sheep, Act 4, Scene 1, The comment about Christian husbands and the stock of Barabas, and also, in act 3 scene 1, he bids Tubal to meet him at the synagogue, which may imply that he attends often.

[KT]

Would you say that the end of the trial in Act 4, (shylock becoming a Christian), does or does not reflect mercy as definied in the "Quality of Mercy" speech?