The Theme of Prejudice in William Shakespeares The...

The Theme of Prejudice in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice In The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, there are two main themes, prejudice, and loyalty. Prejudice is the more evident theme and is shown in many different aspects through the characters and plot. Shylock and Antonio demonstrate religious discrimination between Christians and Jews. Portia and her suitors display racial discrimination. The aim of this essay is to discuss the theme of prejudice as shown in the play. Jews in medieval times were despised. They had been blamed for spreading the plague by poisoning wells and were accused of being usurers. Thus, they would be enriching themselves at the expense of the†¦show more content†¦However, when we reach Act I Scene III we realise that looks can be deceiving. Antonio says, I am as like to call the so again, to spit on thee again, to spurn thee too. This statement is directed towards Shylock and it shows the opposite side of Antonios personality. Antonio ruins Shylocks business purposely by lending money out interest free and speaking abuse in front of merchants. In Act III Scene I Shylock delivers his most moving speech. 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 whats his reason? I am a Jew. Antonio dislikes Shylock for his religion, yet he does not follow his own. Christianity is about showing kindness to others and treating others as you would like to be treated. Antonio is a Christian and that is his motive to spit upon Shylock yet he does not abide by his own religions beliefs. 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 meansà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The message Shylock is trying to give to the audience is just because he is a Jew does not mean he is not a human being. 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