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Lyn's Reviews > The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice
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If this had a secondary title, delivered in "the parlance of our times" it would be THE POUND OF FLESH.
I liked this for many reasons but the element that stands out most is Shakespeare's focus. Many of his plays have various, complex, and intertwined sub-plots, some being more interesting than the theme itself, TMOV is focused and almost relentless, we have one simple course of action that the story leads inevitably towards and which keeps the reader and the audience entranced, will Shylock really remain intent on claiming his bond?
Even the Duke seems ready to predict that Shylock will relent at the end and just take the money. Other fascinating themes explored are the love of money and love itself, both in romantic terms and in friendship. While Antonio and Portia present complex and thoroughly entertaining Shakespearean characterizations, Shylock, of course, steals the show.
I liked this for many reasons but the element that stands out most is Shakespeare's focus. Many of his plays have various, complex, and intertwined sub-plots, some being more interesting than the theme itself, TMOV is focused and almost relentless, we have one simple course of action that the story leads inevitably towards and which keeps the reader and the audience entranced, will Shylock really remain intent on claiming his bond?
Even the Duke seems ready to predict that Shylock will relent at the end and just take the money. Other fascinating themes explored are the love of money and love itself, both in romantic terms and in friendship. While Antonio and Portia present complex and thoroughly entertaining Shakespearean characterizations, Shylock, of course, steals the show.
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Reading Progress
January 20, 2012
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Started Reading
January 20, 2012
– Shelved
January 29, 2012
–
Finished Reading
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Marcia
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rated it 5 stars
Dec 10, 2015 06:00PM
I have an especially warm feeling towards this play since we spent a third of 8th grade year studying it and memorizing stuff and ultimately putting on the play.
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Thanks Marcia, I had forgotten about this review, I'll need to tidy it up a bit.
The history behind it is quite interesting. Christians then, like Muslims now, were forbidden to lend money at interest. No one wanted to lend money for business for nothing and the Jews were allowed to charge interest so that's whom they went to. If a business failed or people just didn't want to pay it was common to just vilify the Jews and kick them around a bit. Being second-class citizens they were unlikely to get anywhere appealing to authorities about unpaid loans.
That is very interesting. Shakespeare was a sympathetic chronicler then
Yes, but I am in a minority thinking so. Christians do not come off well in it. Antonio, Bassiano and Portia are all hypocritical and nasty, and as Shylock says, he can learn from them. You've made me want to revisit this play now.
My next Bill S. read ...
