Do you think Shylock deserves what happens to him in the play?

Answer

Do you think Shylock deserves what happens to him in the play?

In Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) “The Merchant of Venice” (1600) Shylock is a Jewish moneylender. Shylock hates Antonio and wants to harm him. So, he wants to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body as per the bond when Antonio is unable to repay his debt. After the trial, Shylock loses half his money, and is forced to become a Christian. It is complicated to decide whether he deserves this punishment or not. Here is what I think. 

Shylock’s Anger is Understandable: Shylock is not a good person. He hates Christians, especially Antonio. Antonio also insults him. He spits on him and calls him different bad names. When Antonio is unable to repay the debt in time, Shylock demands a pound of his flesh as revenge. This is extreme and cruel from Shylock. However, Shylock’s anger is understandable—he faces constant racism as a Jew. But his desire to kill Antonio is wrong. So, Shylock should get some punishment. However, the punishment he gets feels too harsh.

Racism and Harsh Punishment: As a Jew, Shylock faces constant racism in a Christian society. The Christians in the play behave cruelly. Throughout the play, Shylock is mentioned as “Jew” many times. At the trial scene, the court forces him to be Christian. This is unfair because religion is personal. It is cruel to force someone to change their religion. Moreover, racism is clear when Portia, disguised as a young lawyer named Balthazar, calls both Antonio and Shylock. She says:

“Which is the merchant here? And which the Jew?”

Moreover, taking his money and property hurts him deeply. Because money is tied to his identity and safety in a society that hates Jews. Finally, Shylock’s daughter Jessica also hates him. She runs away and marries a Christian named Lorenzo. Though Shylock is a villain, the play makes us feel sorry for him.

In fine, Shakespeare shows that Shylock is both a victim and a villain.