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.