Prejudice in the Merchant of Venice Essay

Prejudice is a of import theme in The merchandiser of Venice. This is expresses at various occasions throughout the novel. One of the most significant examples of prejudice in this novel is the Anti-Semitic views of the Christian citizens in Venice. A second act of prejudice in The merchant of Venice occurs when the Prince of Morocco arrives in Venice. The one-third example, though more(prenominal) subtle, is the prejudice towards the Prince of Arragon. These three examples fall in to twain major categories, racial prejudice and religious prejudice.The Anti-Semitic views in The Merchant of Venice play an important fiber in the novel. Without the Anti-Semitic views, the elopement plot and the wed plot would non be in existence. If Jessica were Christian, Shylock would have embraced the espousals of Lorenzo and Jessica. Religion, however, intervenes and causes Shylocks anger at his daughter. The bond plot only is based on religious tension. Shylock the Jew would non have bee n so hostile towards Antonio and Bassanio had they all been Jewish or Christian. The behavior in the lawcourt room similarly made a heavy contribution to the anti-Semitism in The Merchant of Venice .The punishments for Jews were far worse than those given to Christians. Jews had seriously unsmooth restrictions allowing them to only be money-lenders.The second example of prejudice occurs between Portia and the Prince of Morocco. This prejudice, however, is not religious like the prejudice between Shylock and Antonio, but is more of a form of racial prejudice. As the second act begins, Morocco states, Mislike me not for my complexion, the shadowed livery of the burnished sun. (2.1.1-2). This was said to Portia to ask her not to settle the prince on his complexion, but rather that he be judged on what is inner of him. Portia, however, had decided that she would not enjoy marrying the prince. She expresses her prejudice by saying,If I could importune the fifth welcome with so goo d heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be pleased of his approach. If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather heshrive me than wive me. (Shakespeare 127-131)Her decision was clearly made and condescension the Princes efforts to help her understand that he was just like either man she remained adamant active her agreement.The third example of prejudice, also racial, is towards the Prince of Arragon. The Prince of Arragon is mocked in various manners throughout the scene in which he chooses the casket. The Princes name added a form of comedy to the story. His name, Arragon, similar to Arragon, told the reader about his attitude and personality in general. The Prince of Arragon also stated, Whats here? The depicting of a blinking idiot presenting me a schedule (2.9.58-60). This statement is also insulting towards the prince due to the fact that he cant blush recognize his own self. Secondly, he referred to the image in the mirr or as a blinking idiot. The prejudice here is given my Shakespeare and added instead of cosmos given on from another character, it is expressed as a property of the Prince of Arragon himself. Shakespeare, in this case, shows prejudice, not a character.The character reference of prejudice plays an important role in The Merchant of Venice. This prejudice, however insulting and mean it seems now was not as badly viewed in the Elizabethan era. In fact, this prejudice was all told normal. The persecution and prejudice towards Jews, colored people, and people from certain nations was a regular part of daily live. Without the prejudice in The Merchant of Venice, the novels plot would be meaningless.