The Sympathetic Embodiment of Evil
"Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew handsÂ… If you prick us, do we not bleed?
If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?" (MerchantÂ…III.i.). Shylock is one of Shakespeare's most intriguing characters of all time. He is most unique in that his true portrayal can, and has, been debated for centuries. Villain or hero has probably been the titles of countless essays and articles arguing his true identity. However, one word should sway any still confused Shakespearian; and that is context. I believe William Shakespeare himself felt fine with the harshness given to Shylock for that is exactly how all Jews were treated in the context of his time. It is safe to say that no one was having this debate in the time of Shakespeare because no one thought otherwise. Though with all that said, if I were given the opportunity to have control over the portrayal of Shylock in a production of the......
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Approximate Word Count: 1261
Approximate Pages: 5 (260 words per double-spaced page) |