Weinstein Ms. StollerDuration: February 26, 2014Shylock, in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, embodies emotion without restriction of moral character or intellectual rationality. Shylocks conversation at the start of Act Four, the first scene, demonstrates this clearly as the Duke and Antonio urge Shylock to use both his empathetic and rational abilities. Shylock's humanity, a trait that would normally allow him to feel empathy, is questioned by Antonio who describes Shylock as being. Calling him "stony", "inhuman", and "empty", Antonio draws attention to Shylock's obvious lack of empathy and humanity, and further suggests that Shylock is deeply and inherently evil, describing him as something monstrous or animal. tries to change the tone of the conversation by appealing to what little humanity Shylock has left. His words contrast sharply with Shylock's true nature. The Duke makes a desperate appeal saying. But his belief lacks reality, as Shylock repeatedly suggested that he wanted nothing more than a pound of Antonio's flesh and never showed any signs of mercy or forgiveness. In this speech, the Duke tirelessly tries to persuade Shylock himself that these feelings do indeed exist, and Shylock should therefore act reasonably in his decision whether or not to seek the appropriate forfeiture of his bail. The Duke also asks Shylock to break away from the stereotype of the alienated Jew. He begs: Shylock's response to this request corresponds directly to Antonio's conception of his character. Shylock says: . By asking for his "due", Shylock is implying that there is justice to be done here, without realizing or caring about the obvious injustice of getting caught in the middle of a paper...... Shylock realizes that his actions lack justification, but he is quick to say that he does not have to explain them. His later works contain a certain determination, despite a lack of reason. His inhuman nature persists and he fully intends to take a pound of Antonio's flesh. The words are once again emblematic of Shylock's disposition to emotion and hatred. He does not act rationally and, in some sense, does not act like a person. Shylock's words distance himself from the rest of humanity and continue his ostracism by acting with so much emotion. Shylock is a creature without morals or decency; a creature that acts solely on emotion and impulse. His tendencies are mean and evil, and his rejection of reality makes him the ultimate villain. He knows what he is doing is wrong, but he continues to fight in hopes of carrying out his terrible plans...

Essay / Weinstein Ms. StollerDuration: February 26, 2014Shylock, in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, embodies emotion without restriction of moral character or intellectual rationality. Shylocks conversation at the start of Act Four, the first scene, demonstrates this clearly as the Duke and Antonio urge Shylock to use both his empathetic and rational abilities. Shylock's humanity, a trait that would normally allow him to feel empathy, is questioned by Antonio who describes Shylock as being. Calling him "stony", "inhuman", and "empty", Antonio draws attention to Shylock's obvious lack of empathy and humanity, and further suggests that Shylock is deeply and inherently evil, describing him as something monstrous or animal. tries to change the tone of the conversation by appealing to what little humanity Shylock has left. His words contrast sharply with Shylock's true nature. The Duke makes a desperate appeal saying. But his belief lacks reality, as Shylock repeatedly suggested that he wanted nothing more than a pound of Antonio's flesh and never showed any signs of mercy or forgiveness. In this speech, the Duke tirelessly tries to persuade Shylock himself that these feelings do indeed exist, and Shylock should therefore act reasonably in his decision whether or not to seek the appropriate forfeiture of his bail. The Duke also asks Shylock to break away from the stereotype of the alienated Jew. He begs: Shylock's response to this request corresponds directly to Antonio's conception of his character. Shylock says: . By asking for his "due", Shylock is implying that there is justice to be done here, without realizing or caring about the obvious injustice of getting caught in the middle of a paper...... Shylock realizes that his actions lack justification, but he is quick to say that he does not have to explain them. His later works contain a certain determination, despite a lack of reason. His inhuman nature persists and he fully intends to take a pound of Antonio's flesh. The words are once again emblematic of Shylock's disposition to emotion and hatred. He does not act rationally and, in some sense, does not act like a person. Shylock's words distance himself from the rest of humanity and continue his ostracism by acting with so much emotion. Shylock is a creature without morals or decency; a creature that acts solely on emotion and impulse. His tendencies are mean and evil, and his rejection of reality makes him the ultimate villain. He knows what he is doing is wrong, but he continues to fight in hopes of carrying out his terrible plans...

Navigation

« Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next »

Get In Touch