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Theme Of Prejudice In Merchant Of Venice

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One of the most greatest writer in english language, Shakespeare has written several plays including ‘The Merchant of Venice’ which will be discussed in this essay. The Merchant of Venice is about Shylock, who is a Jews seeking revenge to Antonio, who is a Christian, by wanting a pound of flesh. It contains the themes of marriage, friendship, justice, love and extra. However, one of the most important theme is the prejudice. In this essay, the ways that prejudice displayed in the play will be explored.

One of the most important aspects that create prejudice in the play is the setting which produces the conflicts. The prejudice of religion/ racism between Christian and Jews plays the big role in the play. Due to the setting in Venice where one can see all kinds of nationalities and religious backgrounds did business, there were full of religious strife, especially between Christians and Jews. This is sustained by characters Antonio and Shylock and they show that prejudice is not all one-way. Antonio criticize Jews by saying, “which is the way to master jews”(I, II, 598-599) and Solanio says “the dog jew” (II, VIII, 14). This is just as prejudiced view as Antonio’s hatred of Jews. In addition, Shylock says, “I hate him for he is a Christian”(I, III, 34) which now shows Shylock’s hatred of Christians. In these quotes, reader can notice that Jews and Christian hate each other and have prejudice towards each other. Moreover, the sexism takes part in the play. Portia was not

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