Will in The World Stephen Greenblatt Christopher Marlowe – Shakespeare’s one serious rival In 1290 entire Jewish community of England had been expelled and forbidden on pain of death to return Did Shakespeare not know much about the Jewish community when he wrote The Merchant of Venice? By Shakespeare’s time there were no Jews left in England Jews were blamed for the bad things that happened Jew was used as a figure in literature and comedy even sometimes a measuring device “it is not distanced from a casual antiSemitism that is simply an incidental feature of their comic energy” p.260 What was the purpose of this play? Act 1: The Plan Scene 1: Bassanio’s Big Plan Antonio is a merchant of Venice worried about his ships out at sea, he seems to have a bad feeling. He is depressed. “That therefore only are reputed wise For saying nothing, when I am very sure If they should speak, would almost damn those ears” 101 (p.13) The only reason some people are considered wise is because they do not say anything. If they did people would see they are not wise. Bassanio’s finances have been bad lately and do not support his lifestyle. He shares his plan with Antonio. Bassanio likes this Portia from Belmont who inherited a large amount of money and seems to be a good person Plan is to become her suitor but he needs money. Why is Antonio so ready to give his money to help Bassanio even though he barely has any money right now with his ships at sea? Antonio’s money is tied up at sea but he will lend Bassanio credit. Scene 2: Portia’s Suitors or Not What is the purpose of making Antonio look like the good guy who does not charge interest on his loans, unlike Shylock? Was it to make Shylock appear as the villain of the play? “And yet for aught I see, they are as sick that surfeit with too much as they starve with nothing. It is no mean happiness, therefore, to be seated in the mean.” 5 (p.19) Nerissa does not think that people with a lot of wealth like Portia should suffer just as much as those with nothing, implying it is best to be in between.3 Portia’s father is dead but had a plan for who his daughter would marry. (The 3 boxes) The suitors are giving up on this test and going home. Nerissa like Bassanio for Portia. Why would Portia’s dad leave a test for her suitors rather than let her choose? Is this how it was back then or is it because Portia is left with wealth? Why are all the men giving up? Scene 3: A Pound of Flesh Bassanio is asking Shylock for a loan saying that Antonio will guarantee it. Shylock does not like Antonio because he is Christian and he lends money out without loans which lowers interest rates for Shylock in Venice. Antonio and Shylocks religious beliefs seem to be hindering their views of one another Lending him money as his enemy Shylock is a very complicated character Who was supposed to be the merchant in The Merchant of Venice? “And thrift is blessing, if men steal it not.” 98 (p.33) “Still have I borne it with a patient shrug, For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe.” 119 (p.35) Shylock is inferring that Jews have endured so much suffering that now they are good at it. What is Shakespeare’s purpose in making Shylock so spiteful? Is he upset how the people of his religion have been hurt in general or did something happen to Shylock specifically? If Antonio does not repay Shylock on the day they agree in the right place for the right sum of money, Antonio’s penalty will “Be nominated for an equal pound Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken In what part of your body pleaseth me.” 160 (p.37) Act 2: Choices Scene 1: The Prince of Morocco Lavish Prince of Morocco with darker skin Portia finds him a good suitor He wants to try his luck with the boxes even if that means he never gets to marry anyone Why does Portia seem to like the Prince of Morocco and then once he chooses the wrong box she becomes rude about the color of his skin? This moves the play away from religion and into race. Suggesting racism making the character comedic. Scene 2: Lancelot’s Boss Lancelet is Shylock’s servant Devil is telling him to leave Shylock but his conscience is telling him not to Believes the Jew is the Devil incarnate but his advice is nicer Lancelet sees his father again and pleads to work for Bassanio who agrees, Lancelet cannot handle working for a Jew anymore, Shylock was mistreating him Scene 3: Jessica Jessica (Shylock’s daughter) is sad to see Lancelet go, he brought joy to the gloomy house Jessica is ashamed to be Shylock’s daughter and would turn Christian and marry Lorenzo “If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife, Become a Christian and thy loving wife.” 20 (p.61) Scene 4: Torchbearer Why would Jessica become Christian and marry Lorenzo? Is she ashamed of her religion or of her father? Is Shakespeare implying it is shameful to be a Jew during this time? Jessica wrote to Lorenzo telling him that she can steal her father’s money and run away with him. What does torchbearer mean in this context? Scene 5: Soon a daughter lost Launcelot invites Shylock to dinner Shylock leaves Jessica to take care of the house. It seems Shylock does not care much about his daughter Jessica, he does not treat her well. Yet, he keeps her locked away from society trying to protect her “Mistress, look out at window, for all this. There will come a Christian by Will be worth a Jewess’ eye.” 40 (p.67) Jessica is so ready to leave her father, why? What has he done that she is trying so hard to escape from? “Farewell, and if my fortune be not crost, I have a father, you a daughter, lost.” 57 (p.67) Scene 6: A Gentle Jew “But love is blind, and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves Commit,” 37 (p.71) “Now, by my hood, a gentle and no Jew.” 53 (p.73) Lancelet hints to Jessica that Lorenzo will be waiting tonight during the masquerade Scene 7: The Gold Box Prince of Morocco chooses the gold box because he believes Portia is what every man wants. People are so focused on appearance and the appearance of gold is luring. Portia’s mood seems to change and she takes a hit at the Prince of Morocco’s skin color. Why is there so much separation between the religions? They have so much spite for one another and a preconceived notion, similar to racism? Gratiano seems so surprised that a Jew can even be nice. Why did Christians not even see Jews as nice people? They were almost seen as devils. Scene 8: Farewell Jessica and Lorenzo Lorenzo and Jessica were together on the ship Shylock is extremely upset by this. Shylock is so upset that Jessica ran off, more “importantly” he is upset that she ran away with a Christian again showcasing the harshness between the religions. “My daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter, Fled with a Christian! O my Christian ducats! Justice, the law, my ducats, and my daughter!” 15 (p.81) Jessica stole from her father At this point, the reader starts to feel bad for Shylock, who is supposed to be the villain, for the way he is treated. Is Shylock more upset about losing Jessica or his money? Why did the author create their relationship how he did? The two seem to be not close but they care for one another. One of Antonio’s ships wrecked which is not good timing with Jessica stealing from Shylock and Antonio having to pay him back Scene 9: Not the Gold Box “By the fool multitude that choose by show, Not learning more than the fond eye doth teach;” 28 (p.85) Most fools choose the flashy option and do not go beyond what their eyes see Prince of Arragon chooses the wrong silver box Man thinking he can take whatever woman he thinks he deserves There is promise of a new young man worthy of Portia Act 3: The Harsh Jew Scene 1: Flesh and Blood “Let me say “Amen” betimes, lest the devil cross my prayer, for here he comes in the likeness of a Jew.” 20 (p.95) What role does fortune have in this play? Or is it luck? The plot seems to be focused around it. From the lenders, Shylock and Antonio, to the different metal boxes and lavish princes. Many Christians at this time did not just see Jews as terrible people, but even saw them as the devil. Shylock cannot believe his own flesh and blood ran away from him. Salarino does not even think Shylcok and Jessica have the same flesh and blood because Jessica is nice. Shylock learns of Antonio’s ship that wrecked at sea. Salarino asks what Antonio’s flesh is good for to Shylock. “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. Hath not a Jew eyes?” 53 (p.97) At points, Shylock seems upset and that Jessica ran away but then he says things like she will be damned. Why does he say this? Does he admire her or no? Tubal (another Jewish moneylender) could not find Jessica and Lorenzo. Shylock is so worried about what she stole and calls her a thief, he is finally feeling the curse of the Jews now He is ready to take Antonio’s heart. Scene 2: Bassanio and Portia at Last Portia seems to love Bassanio and does not want him to choose yet “This world is still deceived with ornament. In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt But, being seasoned with a gracious voice,” 76 (p.107) People can be tricked by false appearances and in court people can deliver a false plea but hide it behind an innocent, pretty voice Bassanio and Antonio’s plan worked and he choose the right box. Bassanio will marry Portia Gratiano and Nerissa are also to be married Is Portia being tricked by Bassanio’s false appearance even after he tells her the truth about his financial situation? Does he actually care about her or is that a lie too? Bassanio must go back and help Antonio. Scene 3: Goodbye Antonio “It is the most impenetrable cur That ever kept with men.” 19 (p.125) Solanio refers to Shylock as an it or a dog trying to live among humans “The duke cannot deny the course of law. For the commodity that strangers have With us in Venice, if it be denied, Will much impeach the justice of his state,” 30 (p.125) The Duke will not be able to help Antonio because if he did it would threaten the security of all foreign merchants in Venice The government cannot simply disregard the law Scene 4: Portia’s Plan Lorenzo seems to admire Portia Portia asks Lorenzo and Jessica to take management of her house until her husband Bassanio returns Portia has a plan for her and Nerissa to dress up like men Scene 5: Lancelet believes children are sometimes punished for their fathers, worried about Jessica “I shall be saved by my husband. He hath made me a Christian.” 18 (p.133) Lancelet seems to be mad Jessica is now a “Christian” Does Solanio say this because Shylock wants to kill Antonio or simply because Shylock is a Jew? Back in this time was the law necessarily just? And if it weren’t, why would it matter if the Duke broke it for Antonio? People were very rude and mean to each other during these times Questions for Professor Mary Crane: Why does it seem like people were more rude and blunt to each other during this time period? Were they? Why does Shakespeare choose to have the women dress up as men at different points throughout the play? Does Bassanio actually love Portia or did he just marry her for money? What was the point or significance of the boxes? Act 4: The Trial Scene 1: Guilty or Guilty “Go, one, and call the Jew into the court.” 15 (p.141) Even the Duke refers to Shylock as the Jew The Duke is telling Shylock to be merciful, how is this fair or just, it is only because of his religion The law says this but we want you to show mercy – seems more religious Why do Jews have no respect by any sort of authority during this time? Duke asks Shylock to reconsider “You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have A weight of carrion flesh than to receive Three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that But say it is my humour. Is it answered?” 41 (p.143) What is the purpose of Shylock taking a pound of flesh? Why is the author so persistent that Shylock must take it? What is the moral thing to do in this situation? What is the right and just thing to do? Shylock is very full of revenge Portia is disguised as a young man, a skilled lawyer “This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood. The words expressly are “a pound of flesh.” Is anything Portia said true? Was there a chance she made up these laws, how would she know these things? But in the cutting it if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are by the laws of Venice confiscate Unto the state of Venice.” 318 (p.163) He is not a citizen of Venice Antonio and Shylock’s Justice is very different Antonio is okay with it If Shylock cuts any blood or more or less than exactly a bound of flesh he will be killed. Portia is clever to think of this in the contract and has the courage to say it. Different form of justice she has standing up. Portia overcomes her own character but ends up hurting Shylock. Is Portia a good person? She is smart and capable but does she have everyone’s best interests at heart? How is this justice? How is this fair? Shylock did technically have a deal and was once again let down. Shylock does not get any money Law of Venice – Shylock attempted murder Must plea to Duke for his life Reader starts to feel bad for Shylock and thinks of the mistreatment his race has suffered Now if he wants to live he must pay and be a Christian Bassanio said some things about his wife in the court not knowing she was there in disguise and gave away his ring Scene 2: The Ring Nerissa will go to Shylock’s house for the contract Portia was able to get her husband’s ring which Bassanio swore he would not give it to anyone Act 5: The Rings Scene 1: The End. Everyone was just making fun of Shylock, what is the purpose in celebrating his losses? “In such a night Did young Lorenzo swear he loved her well, Stealing her soul with many vows of faith, And ne’er a true one.” 22 (p.182) Jessica says that Lorenzo did not actually love her The significance of music What significance does music and the light of day have in this play? Portia does not what Bassanio to know she was gone Both Portia and Nerissa are upset that their husband’s gave away their rings Believed Bassanio was not appreciating her worth Bassanio thinks Portia would have wanted him to give this man the ring if she were there Portia and Nerissa were the ones in disguise asking for the rings, what is the purpose in bringing this pain on themselves? Antonio tries to help Portia understand Antonio is willing to sacrifice his life for Bassanio They seem in love with each other The women claim that they slept with the two men in order to get the rings back – this is not actually true The men find out they were in disguise Three of Antonio’s ships have arrived Lorenzo and Jessica will inherit everything from Shylock once he dies Anti-Semitism is expressed in the play especially towards Shylock. The play itself, however, is not anti-Semitic. There are other Jewish character that are not shown antiSemitism. Such as Jessica. Once again Shylock loses. What was the means to make him suffer throughout the play? Was it for the audience? Did they enjoy it? Royal Shakespeare Company Video The Royal Shakespeare Company Video helped me better understand how the character of Shylock can be played in various ways in the play. Each actor had a totally different perception of the character and the feelings. Since Shakespeare does not constrict the character of Shylock, there are many different interpretations.
