Shylock And Antonio In William Shakespeare's The Merchant Of Venice

Shylock and Antonio: An Elizabethan Case Study

In Act I, scene iii of William Shakespeare’s, The Merchants of Venice, the audience encounters a converse between Shylock and Antonio. Shylock, who is a Jewish moneylender, is completely humiliated by the actions of Antonio as he has spat on him and called him a dog for he is a Jew. However, on the other hand, Antonio, who is extremely arrogant, states that he should not be treated as a friend, but as a client who is here to do business with Shylock. As a result, Shylock demands a pound of flesh as a forfeit if Antonio does not bring the money in time. This commentary will explore the different ways in which Shakespeare uses literary devices in order to demonstrate Shylock and Antonio’s feelings

Initially, Shylock repeats the word “dog” or “a cur” to demonstrate how he being insulted by Antonio for having another religion. Shakespeare uses this repetition to make the reader understand the daily humiliation and insults Shylock receives for being a Jewish such as the example of being a dog. Furthermore, Shylock also uses an anaphora, which deliberately shows a frustrated mother who is shouting at her child for a list of things naughty things the child has done. Shylock stated, “And spet upon my Jewish gabardine, and all for use of that which is mine own” (Act I, Scene iii. 122-123). The use of “and” makes it sound like a list causing the reader to become aware that this happens repeatedly and also demonstrates the irritation of Shylock. To add, the word “and” makes what Shylock is trying to say feel emotional. Finally, through Shylock’s detailed descriptions, a sense of imagery is created. Shylock describes how Antonio has spat on his beard, which appeals to the senses of humiliation Shylock receives. All in all, Shakespeare’s use of repetition, anaphora, and imagery help express the humiliation Shylock receives for being