Help Please!!!!!

[Cath]

I have TMOV coursework in for the day after tomorrow and I have NO IDEA what to write!! PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!! The question is 'how does Shylock command the audience attention?' PLEASE HELP!!!!!! I'VE NO CLUES WHAT TO WRITE!!!!!

[mhyrrmayde]

My first instinct is to say that Shylock commands the audience's attention because he is reviled, spit upon, a usurer, yet he holds something that Antonio needs, and that is his money.
Additionally in Act 1 Scene III, Shylock's first lines are followed by the comment, "well." I would further say that this verbal gimmick, of his use of the word after each line, is probably humorous, at first,....darkly humorous. Also that he is pretty spiteful towards Christians right off the bat, so one is inclined to listen to him, to find out what insult he should say next.
Lastly I would add that his agreement to lend money, that if it is not paid back on time he gets a pound of Antonio's flesh, is a grisly agreement, and don't audiences love blood and gore?

Hope this helps, good luck!

[Cath]

Thanks a lot, that's a real help
Cath

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