Shylock as a Villian or Victim in The Merchant of Venice...

Shylock as a Villian or Victim in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare The Merchant Of Venice is the story of Antonio, a merchant, borrowing money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, in order to fund his best friend Bassanio’s romantic ambitions. Like the majority of the habitants of Venice, Antonio is Christian. At the time of the play, the sixteenth century, there was a huge abhorrence against those who were not Christian. As Antonio needed money quickly he had no alternative to borrowing from Shylock; Jewish moneylenders made profit from charging interests. Christians were resentful towards Jews as they were very successful with their businesses. Christians were prejudice because they†¦show more content†¦This is very villainous. He also disagrees with Antonio’s business methods. â€Å"He lends out money gratis and brings down the rate of usance.† He does not like the fact that Antonio lends money in order to aid others, without personally gaining anything. This portrayal is that Shylock is a money grabbing Jew, a ste reotypical view held by many. Shylock, addressing the audience about Antonio, says â€Å"I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him†. Here he is saying that he has an old rivalry with Antonio and wants to gain revenge for what has happened in past encounters between the two. He doesn’t go into much detail about what has happened previously but does conclude by saying â€Å"Cursà ¨d be my tribe if I forgive him†. He says he will never forgive Antonio no matter what will transpire between them. When agreeing the terms of the contract for the borrowing of the money Antonio speaks â€Å"Shylock albeit I neither lend nor borrow by taking nor by giving of excess†. Here he is saying that normally he doesn’t pay nor receive interest but as he is desperate for the money he will this time. Antonio feels that charging interest is immoral but Shylock is quick to reply. â€Å"The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose† He says that the devil can justify his actions from the bible. This shows that Shylock is an intelligent man with an understanding of many things. His response is also