After his daughter Jessica elopes with Lorenzo, Shylock is left alone. He screams in rage: .
My daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter! Fled with a Christian! O my Christian ducats!" (II. viii.15-16). As much as he loves his daughter, he can not decide which loss is more devastating- the money or Jessica. Shylock is portrayed with a soul of avarice, yet the keynote of his character appears to be hatred. His hatred towards the people of Venice is strong and vicious. There is no excuse for such immoral behavior but there is a good explanation. Shylock expresses hate towards Antonio because .
.he is a Christian;.
But more, for that in low simplicity.
He lends out money gratis, and brings down .
The rate of usance here with us in Venice.
(I. iii. 39-42).
Hatred towards the Christians is based on the historical events and the existing stereotypes of that period. Since Jews were not allowed to have land, money lending was the main source of income for Shylock. Antonio's careless attitude towards money is a threat to Shylock's business. The survival instinct is not the main reason for his abhorrence. It is very personal:.
You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, .
And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine, .
And all for use of that which is mine own.
(I. iii. 108-110).
He hath disgraced me, and hind"red me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies- .
(III. i. 51-55).
Shylock delivers a very reasonable and clear argument why he should be treated as any other man in Venice.
- and what is his reason? I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew Hands organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? .
(III.i. 55-60).
According to him, the Jews are the same human being as Christians with the same feelings and emotions.
