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Similarities Between The Chrysalids And The Merchant Of Venice

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Luwam Paulos Botticella ENG2D1-05 June-7-2023 Introduction: Prejudice and identity are recurring themes in literature, offering profound insights into the human condition. John Wyndham's The Chrysalids and William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice both delve into these themes, highlighting the destructive nature of prejudice and the complexities of personal identity. This essay will compare and contrast the theme of prejudice and identity in both works, examining examples from the texts and drawing upon various citations to support the analysis. Through the examination of characters, events, and their respective contexts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of prejudice on individual identities and the quest for acceptance. …show more content…

In The Chrysalids, the society of Waknuk condemns individuals with genetic mutations as "deviations," leading to their marginalization and persecution. David Strorm, the protagonist, possesses telepathic abilities that mark him as a deviation. The society's prejudice against David and others like him results in their constant fear of being discovered and ostracized. For example, when David's telepathic abilities are exposed, he faces condemnation and is forced to flee for his life. Similarly, in The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, experiences prejudice and discrimination due to his religious identity. He is subjected to insults and mistreatment by the Christian majority, who view him as an outsider. Shylock's poignant speech in Act III, Scene 1 reveals the effects of prejudice on his own identity: "Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? If you prick us, do we not bleed?" Through this powerful monologue, Shakespeare emphasizes the humanity and shared experiences of individuals, regardless of their religious or cultural

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