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This evokes sympathy for Shylock because of the way he is tormented and humiliated, but does nothing. He doesn't stand up for himself, and this suggests he is a victim. .
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Shylock is frequently a victim of anti-Semitism and racism from all the Christians in the play. The victimisation is shown when Antonio has spat on Shylock's Jewish gabardine, which is a Coat traditionally worn by Jews, and also has spat on his beard. Both are symbols of Shylock's religion, and it must be very hurtful and degrading for him. .
Solerio and Solanio constantly mock torment and make fun of Shylock's religion throughout the play. This is shown when Solanio says: .
As the dog Jew did utter in the streets: .
My daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter!'.
Here, they are laughing at Shylock's obsession with money, and the fact that he has lost his daughter Jessica because she has eloped with a Christian. As Solerio and Solanio are only minor, unimportant characters in the play, Shylock is seen as a victim because even they can make fun of him and are superior to him. .
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Shylock's daughter, Jessica, elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian, and Shylock is left without some of his money, and alone. She has stolen all Shylock's jewels and money, and also his turquoise ring, which was given to him by his wife Leah. The ring was very precious to Shylock, and he is very angry with Jessica for selling it for a monkey. This portrays him as a victim because even his own daughter cannot stand to be around him, and hates him. Jessica says she is ashamed to be her father's daughter, and describes her house as hell:.
Alack, what heinous sin is it in me to be ashamed to be my father's child!' .
During the play, Shylock becomes more and more isolated. Firstly, his servant Lancelot leaves his service to work with Bassanio, and then his daughter leaves him to elope with Lorenzo. Both Bassanio and Lorenzo are Christians, which again suggests that he is a victim of racism.
