“The Merchant of Venice” Critical Evaluation
Task – In “The Merchant of Venice” the character of Shylock is vital in highlighting the
theme of prejudice. Explain Shylock’s involvement in the play and go on to examine
whether Shakespeare portrays him as a victim or a villain.
We have looked closely at “The Merchant of Venice” focusing on the character of Shylock
and our attitudes towards him throughout the play.
1. Introduction
You must relate your introduction directly to the question. It needs to be clear at the start
of your essay what you are writing about.
1. State that Shylock is a crucial character in “The Merchant of Venice”.
2. Briefly explain the conflict in the play which highlights prejudice.
3. Explain that Shakespeare has helped you to understand Shylock’s character
through successful use of an effective plot, word choice, key scenes…
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Try to use your own words for an original introduction.
Maybe you could also use a simple quote to grab the reader’s attention?
2. Brief Summary – Plot involving Shylock.
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Briefly summarise the key events of “The Merchant of Venice” focusing on the
involvement of Shylock.
3. Main body of your essay – Analysis & Evaluation – 4 or 5 paragraphs
You now need to discuss the play in more detail, identifying the most important scenes
and explaining how they help you to understand the character of Shylock.
In each paragraph you need to demonstrate the following:
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P - POINT - Make a clear point - How do you feel towards Shylock at this point in the play.
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E - EVIDENCE - Give an example (QUOTE) from the text to show that your point is true.
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E - EXPLAIN - Explain what this quote means and WHY it is important.
•
L - LINK - Give your personal reaction to how you feel about Shylock - Is he a VICTIM or a
VILLAIN?
Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence to let the reader know what
you are about to write about. E.g. Shylock agreeing to the bond.
Topic Sentence: (P)When we first encounter Shylock in the play we find out that he has been treated badly by the
Christians in the past.(E) Shylock states Antonio has called Shylock a “cut-throat dog” and has spat “upon my Jewish
gabardine” (E) This highlights that Shylock may have justification for feeling anger towards Christians such as Antonio
as they have treated him as a lower class citizen. (L) At this stage in the play the reader can feel some sympathy towards
Shylock because…
Another example PEEL paragraph to help you:
P – When we first meet Shylock in the play we feel sympathy towards him as he has been a victim
of prejudice from the Christians.
E- We are told he has been abused by them when he tells Antonio “You, that did void your rheum
upon my beard and foot me as you spurn a stranger”.
E – This evidence shows that Shylock has been treated very badly by the Christians including
Antonio as he has been physically attacked and spat on just because he is Jewish.
L – At this point in the play I really feel sorry for Shylock as Shakespeare show that Jews could
face terrible prejudice and bullying just because of their religion. This helps me understand why he
wants to get revenge against Antonio later in the play.
There are many more examples and you should try to generate your own ideas to make
your essay a success.
Look at your planning points to write 4 or 5 PEEL paragraphs.
4. CONCLUSION
The purpose of the conclusion is to summarise your reaction to the task.
1. EXPLAIN that you have looked closely at the play and have made a decision that Shylock is a victim
or a villain.
2. Highlight the scene or event which you thought was MOST IMPORTANT in deciding your opinion.
3. Give your personal reaction to the character of Shylock in the play:
• Can you relate his behaviour to life today?
• What did you think of the treatment of the Jews in Venice at this time?