Merchant Of Venice: Shylock Character Study

Shylock Character Study #1- 
Make a list of the insults and names Shylock has been called in the text so far. 
Devil
Inexecrable dog (Disgusting dog)
Unfeeling man (Heartless)
An inhuman wretch


Find lines/quotes in the text that show Shylock’s hurt, his rage, his loneliness.
"He hath disgraced me and hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies—and what’s his reason? I am a Jew."
“Fair sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last; You spurned me such a day; another time. You called me ’dog'—and for these courtesies. I’ll lend you thus much moneys?”

Do you think he cares more about losing the ducats or his daughter? Give evidence to support your thinking.
The ducats, as he states he would rather have Jessica dead at his feet with the jewels she has than have both gone. 

Shylock is powerless to get back his daughter or his ducats but Antonio is now in his power. Find the first mention of revenge. Do you think his thoughts of revenge are justified, give reasons?
The first mention of revenge is in Shylocks "If you prick us" speech. Yes, I believe his thoughts are justified, as he is right in saying that if a Christian is wronged by a Jew then serves revenge, a Jew wronged by a Christian should be able to as well.

A3S1 lines 54-62. What sentiment is Shylock trying to express here, do you find sympathy for him here?
He is trying to get his anger across. I do feel sympathy for him as he has been treated like absolute crap by Antonio. Only because he believes in something different.

Choose one ‘Hath not..’ quote and explain it. 

"Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions" Does a Jew not have eyes? Does a Jew not have hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? He's saying how a Jew is no different to a Christian. 

Shylock Character Study #2

Shylock makes his last appearance in A4S1

How does he behave when he thinks he is winning?
Smug, very smug. 

Is his behaviour what you expected of him based on the story so far, look carefully at his one-ine answers, as well as at his longer speeches. Look too at his reply to Gratiano L 139-142.
Yes, very

Why do lines 40-46 offer a particularly chilling comparison? What is Shylock saying? Compare L67.

How does Shylock react when he becomes the victim?

Shylock Character Study #3
Many characters hold antisemitic views, but in places Shakespeare lets Shylock speak from the heart and suddenly see him as a human, not stereotype.
Find scenes and speeches where Shakespeare does this, take note of the act, scene, lines and quotes.


In A1S3 when Shylock offers to lend money without interest some argue that he is being kind, discuss your thoughts.
In A3S1 Shylock suffers great losses. Look for suggestions of his sorrow, loneliness and feelings for his dead wife.
In A4S1 when Shylock is sentences, we again feel pity for him. Why is this an achievement for Shakespeare (consider his audience)
The Merchant of Venice is considered a comedy, however the character of Shylock makes it feel more of a tragi-comedy. Do you feel he is portrayed more as a villain or victim. Write a paragraph explaining your thoughts with supporting evidence from the play.
It has been argued that the play should be renamed ‘The Jew of Venice’. Why do you think this is? Would it change your initial view of the play? Would it be a more suitable name?