The Merchant of Venice

Exemplar - Merit

Discuss the Dramatization of the Conflict of Christian and Jew in "The Merchant of Venice"

Our world today is constructed on the pretentious basis of difference.  We, as humans, are defined by differences.  We live it, breathe it, and are placed in society according to these differences.  Shakespeare exhibits the likes of this idea through the dramatization of the conflict of Christians and Jews in "The Merchant of Venice."  The play is dramatized through the money-lending issues, through matters of honesty and bonds, through the affections and priorities of father and daughter, and the consideration of each group by the justice and financial systems amidst the bargaining Rialto of Venice. 

This conflict is a socio-religious conflict played out in the play through the two main protagonists: Antonio, the Christian and Shylock, the Jew.  Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God and follow his pious teachings, whereas Jews were castigated as the people who crucified Jesus.  Therefore the differences between Antonio and Shylock lie within their beliefs and religion.  Shakespeare recognizes and defines this difference through the dramatization of Antonio and Shylock.  Antonio is portrayed as the successful businessman and worthy Christian "Thou know'st that all my fortunes are at sea", whereas Shylock is the complete opposite to Antonio and is often portrayed as a "devil."  Even Jessica calls his house "hell."

The plot is established and the conflict is greater when money is lent from Shylock to Antonio and a bond is made.  Shylock's plot to get a pound of Antonio's flesh is to "feed his revenge" and it is cunning and calculating and plays a crucial part in revealing his true personality to the audience.  In Shakespeare's portrayal of the miserly stage Jew of tradition, we witness the development of the forceful and dominating Shylock, but on the other hand we also see reasoning behind this character.  We learn that Shylock's "hate to feed upon the prodigal Christian" is understandable because he has been treated badly by Antonio, "you did void your rheum upon my beard, and foot me as you spurn a stranger cur."  This is one of the moments where we can feel some sympathy for Shylock as we find that he's been the victim of abuse.  Shakespeare stresses the fact that all people are the same through Shylock:  "I am a Jew.  Hath not a Jew eyes?  Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?"  Questions and listing are used to show the depth and feeling of this character, because although cruel and primitive, Shylock has feelings. 

Shylock has two great loves in his life: one of them being the (obsessive) love for his money and the other being the love for his "flesh and blood", his daughter Jessica.  Conflict between Christian and Jew is also explored in this family situation.  Both his money and his daughter are extremely important to Shylock because they represent his place in society.  Money defines his status and power in the Rialto and his daughter defines his pride in his Jewish heritage (as he hopes that she will be his successor).  So when he loses both, due to an act of Jessica's rebellion by turning to a Christian, he is hurt and devastated, but at the same time very angry:

"I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear 	Would she were hears'd at my foot, and the ducats in her coffin."

To which at this point, Shylock's affections and priorities take a sudden change, as he wants Jessica dead, and in return his money back.  Shakespeare shows us that Shylock's character is very intolerant towards disrespect to him, and his beliefs, and possibly that power and control is a greater need than family, at that time. 

Unfortunately, for Shylock, his unbending and obsessive attitude at the trial means that he is totally castigated and made to beg for mercy (a Christian value).  Through a loophole in the bond agreement, Antonio regains control, and ironically gives Shylock a form of mercy.  It could be said that this resolution to the play is how Shakespeare successfully presents the Christian-Jew conflict.  The conventions of comedy are used rather than a tragedy.  Shylock is stripped of his identity, and loses half his possessions, but is offered a life to live. 

"He presently become a Christian: The other, that he do record a gift (Here in the court) of all he dies possess'd Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter."

This shows that although Christianity was such a strong belief at that time, retribution is still demonstrated for the historical failings of the Jews.  The merciful Christians do not appear to be so merciful, although making Shylock renounce his religion would have been seen as a good thing for the audience at the time.  There is an equitable showcase and portrayal of each character, Antonio and Shylock, in that they both have good and bad qualities as people and they have their reasons for their chosen actions. 

Therefore, in conclusion, the dramatization of the Christian and Jew conflict in The Merchant of Venice is achieved by confronting like characters from both the Christian and Jewish societies, and demonstrating their tolerance or intolerance towards each other, and the people around them.  Testing their motives and methods against each other, reveals the essential humanity of both groups; which is cherishing the quality of being human. 

© Ministry of Education, Wellington, New Zealand (First published 1998)