Prejudice in the Merchant of Venice Essay

Prejudice is a satisfying theme in The merchandiser of Venice. This is expresses at mixed occasions throughout the novel. sensation of the most signifi nominatet examples of prepossession in this novel is the anti-semitic views of the Christian citizens in Venice. A second act of injustice in The Merchant of Venice occurs when the Prince of Morocco arrives in Venice. The trio example, though more subtle, is the disfavor towards the Prince of Arragon. These ternary examples f altogether in to two major categories, racial evil and religious prejudice.The Anti-Semitic views in The Merchant of Venice play an distinguished part in the novel. Without the Anti-Semitic views, the elopement maculation and the bond game would non be in existence. If Jessica were Christian, Shylock would have embraced the espousals of Lorenzo and Jessica. Religion, however, intervenes and causes Shylocks anger at his daughter. The bond plot simply is base on religious tension. Shylock the Jew wo uld not have been so hostile towards Antonio and Bassanio had they all been Jewish or Christian. The behavior in the court room also make a heavy contri stillion to the anti-Semitism in The Merchant of Venice .The punishments for Jews were far worse than those given to Christians. Jews had seriously harsh restrictions allowing them to precisely be money-lenders.The second example of prejudice occurs between Portia and the Prince of Morocco. This prejudice, however, is not religious identical the prejudice between Shylock and Antonio, but is more of a form of racial prejudice. As the second act begins, Morocco states, Mislike me not for my complexion, the shadowed livery of the burnished sun. (2.1.1-2). This was utter to Portia to ask her not to judge the prince on his complexion, but quite an that he be judged on what is inside of him. Portia, however, had decided that she would not enjoy marrying the prince. She expresses her prejudice by saying,If I could bid the fifth welco me with so good heart as I can bid the other iv farewell, I should be glad of his approach. If he have the condition of a fear and the complexion of a devil, I had rather heshrive me than wive me. (Shakespeare 127-131)Her decision was clearly make and despite the Princes efforts to help her agnize that he was just like some(prenominal) man she remained adamant about her agreement.The ternion example of prejudice, also racial, is towards the Prince of Arragon. The Prince of Arragon is mocked in various manners throughout the scene in which he chooses the casket. The Princes name added a form of comedy to the story. His name, Arragon, similar to Arragon, told the lecturer about his attitude and personality in general. The Prince of Arragon also stated, Whats here? The depiction of a blinking idiot presenting me a schedule (2.9.58-60). This statement is also diss towards the prince due to the fact that he cant even recognize his take self. Secondly, he referred to the image in the mirror as a blinking idiot. The prejudice here is given my Shakespeare and added instead of organism given on from another character, it is evince as a trait of the Prince of Arragon himself. Shakespeare, in this case, shows prejudice, not a character.The role of prejudice plays an important role in The Merchant of Venice. This prejudice, however insulting and mean it seems promptly was not as badly viewed in the Elizabethan era. In fact, this prejudice was on the whole normal. The persecution and prejudice towards Jews, colored people, and people from genuine nations was a regular part of day-to-day live. Without the prejudice in The Merchant of Venice, the novels plot would be meaningless.