ESSAY CEMETERY

Short summary In his 1986 article "To Entrap the Wisest", René Girard addresses the conflict between the two critical interpretations of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. Some view Shylock as a stereotypical, revenge-seeking mercenary Jew, while others regard him as a sympathetic character who has been wronged. Girard argues that both readings of Shylock are accurate and that, in fact, Shakespeare has intended this duality. Explicitly, Girard explains, Shylock is the undisputed villain. He practices usury and seeks blood revenge. Every character in the play is opposed to his actions, including the Duke, who is supposed to act as the impartial judge in the trial, and his own daughter, who shamelessly robs him and quits his household.  Throughout the play, however, there is a subtle undercurrent of rhetoric that establishes Shylock as more benevolent than is immediately apparent. In his "hath not a Jew eyes" speech, Shylock points out that he has learned revenge from...

This summary is partial. Bloom thinks The Merchant of Venice is very anti-semitic, though he is aware that many disagree. Shylock is more villainous than necessary for a comedy. Shakespeare certainly intended him to be a comic villain, both funny and scary. At the time Shakespeare wrote the play, Jews weren't a very big problem in England, as there weren't many of them. There was anti-semitism however and Jews were an interesting issue. The comedy is in Portia's story, and not Shylock's. Making Shylock a sympathetic character renders the play utterly incomprehensible. His personality is so vivid that he is made to be sympathetic instead of evil because we do not find his particular brand of evil amusing. Shakespeare intended for Shylock to be a stereotype of a Jew, much like in Marlowe's Jew of Malta (except in Marlow the Jew is overtly evil and kills people). Marlowe's stereotype is exclusively evil, a stock character, whereas Shylock has more depth. Shylock...

Short summary In his 1970 article "Shylock's Humanity" John R. Cooper presents his reading of the character of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. His analysis centers on Shylock's "Hath not a Jew eyes" speech. Cooper argues that the purpose of this central passage is to capture the conflict between justice and mercy that is inherent in the play. Shylock's insistence on exacting his legal revenge represents the belief in strict justice and the sense of self-entitlement as ultimate values. The Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon represent this paradigm as well, as they feel that they deserve Portia. This world view is juxtaposed with the value of mercy, as represented by the Christians who urge Shylock to abandon his revenge. This juxtaposition of paradigms, notes Cooper, is illustrated further by the differences between Belmont and Venice. In Venice law and justice reign supreme, whereas in Belmont mercy does, as represented by the favoring of mer...

Overall summary In her 1985 article "Gender, Family and the Social Order", Susan Amussen surveys the social and familial hierarchies of Early Modern England. At that time, she explains to the modern reader, there was no conception of the family as a private unit. Instead, Renaissance theorists frequently drew parallels between the socio-political monarchic and governmental structures and the familial structure of husband, wife, and children.  Amussen discusses two influential propagators of this parallel. First, political theorists who were concerned with the social state of affairs discussed the relationship between the king and his subjects in terms of the relationship between husband and wife and children. Just as the obedience of children of their parents is a divine commandment, it was considered the divine right of the king to rule over his subjects. Similarly, the agreement between kings and subjects was compared to the marriage contract, and rebellion of a royal subje...

Summary Lorenzo and Jessica are at Belmont, telling a love story together, beginning with that of Troilus and Criseyde and ending with their own. Nerissa enters as Stephano and announces that Portia will be back during the night. Lancelot enters and announces that Bassanio will also arrive during the night. Portia and Nerissa arrive, and then Bassanio, Antonio and Gratiano arrive. Nerissa admonishes Gratiano for parting with her ring. Bassanio hears this and shrinks. Portia confronts him and promises to never bed him until she sees the ring. Portia gives him hell about the ring and he tries to defend himself. Antonio whines that he is the cause of the quarrels. Nerissa and Portia present their rings to their husbands and say that they got them when they slept with the doctor and his clerk the night before. Gratiano grows angry and Portia reveals the trick. Portia also brings Antonio the news of three of his ships having made it safely and richly to harbor. She tells Lorenzo and Jessica...

Summary Portia and Nerissa plan to return home straightaway before their husbands return. Gratiano however catches up with them and invites them to dinner. Portia accepts the ring, turns down the invitation and asks Gratiano to show Nerissa to Shylock's house. Finally, Nerissa plans to make Gratiano give her his ring too as a sign of gratitude. Main events Portia accepts Bassanio's ring from Gratiano Nerissa plans to get Gratiano's ring Gratiano will show Nerissa to Shylock's house Participating Characters Nerissa Portia Gratiano Response/ discussion The copycat ring. A metaliterary comment perhaps about repetitiveness of art or lack of imagination? Table of Contents: The Merchant of Venice -- Summary and Analysis Act 1 Scene 1 ,  Scene 2 ,  Scene 3 Act 2 Scene 1 ,  Scene 2 ,  Scene 3 ,  Scene 4 ,  Scene 5 ,  Scene 6 ,  Scene 7 ,  Scene 8 ,  Scene 9 Act 3 Scene 1 ,  Scene 2 ,  Scene 3 ,  Scene 4 ,  Scene 5 Act 4 Scene...

Summary They are in court. The Duke expresses pity for Antonio because he is up against Shylock who is monstrous. The Duke has tried to convince Shylock not to take the bond but he insisted. Shylock enters. The Duke tells him they all hope that he will remove the bond at the last minute in a show of mercy. Shylock replies that he intends to exact the bond, and that if the duke cancels it, it collides with freedom of trade. He says that the reason is no more than hatred for Antonio. Antonio says arguing with Shylock is futile because cruelty is in his nature. He asks the duke to hasten his sentence. Bassanio offers more money and Shylock refuses. Shylock points out that he has a right to Antonio's flesh just as they have a right to retain their slaves – both are property. Antonio expresses love for Bassanio. Nerissa enters with a letter from Doctor Bellario. More Shylock bashing ensues. The Duke reads the letter, in which Bellario recommends Balthazar as a doctor. Portia enters, dis...

Summary Lancelot tells Jessica that as children are punished for the sins of their children, her one hope is to be her father's bastard. Jessica points out that if this indeed is the case then she will be punished for her mother's adultery, so she is doomed either way. She says she will be saved by her husband who has made her a Christian. Lancelot is cheeky to Lorenzo and frustrates him. Lorenzo asks Jessica how she likes Portia. Jessica replies that a lot. Lorenzo fishes for compliments a little and they go to dinner. Main events Lancelot and Jessica conclude that Jessica is doomed to be punished for her parents' sins Jessica says she will be saved by marrying Lorenzo Participating Characters Lancelot Jessica Lorenzo Analysis and Discussion Faulty logical connector in the sentence LAUNCELOT Yes, truly; for, look you, the sins of the father are to be laid upon the children: therefore, I promise ye, I fear you. I was always plain with you, and so now I speak my agitation of...