The Merchant of Venice, written by William Shakespeare in the 1590's, is known as a tragicomedy. Shakespeare creates a character named Shylock, a Jew, who is both the protagonist and antagonist and who turns out to be one, if not, the most important character in the drama. Shakespeare makes Shylock a Jew so he can prove a point about how Jews were regularly prejudiced against in the late 15th century. Also, Shylock is a unique character because he transforms himself throughout the play. He exhibits points of weakness and sorrow, yet deceives the reader as a cruel, heartless, monster when in reality, he is a tragic hero. .
Shylock is a victim who is constantly tormented by others. He is regarded as lower class by the other characters in the play. Shylock is Jewish, unlike everyone else, so it is easier for the townspeople to bully him because he is considered an outcast. He loses his daughter and money to a Christian named Lorenzo. Also, Shylock loses his lands, his possessions, and has to convert to Christianity because he is cheated out of his bond. During the whole play, Shylock is humiliated and bullied for being Jewish, "Here comes another of the tribe- a third cannot match, unless the devil himself turned Jew."(3.1.76-78) Another reason is the people of Venice treat Shylock like a voracious wolf; they do not even find him human. For example, Gratiano said, "O, be thou damned, inexorable dog.Pythagoras that souls of animals.currish spirit governed a wolf, who hanged for human slaughter.Infused itself in thee; thy desires are wolvish, bloody, starved and ravenous."(4.1.128-138) All through the play, characters victimize Shylock. The worst part is the townspeople find it humorous to bully him. Shylock finally stands up for himself by comparing Jews to Christians. .
".Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands.Same food, hurt with the same weapons.If you prick us, do we not bleed?.