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The Merchant of Venice: context
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The play was written around 1596 to 1597 for a Christian audience that held deep prejudices against Jewish people.
Jews in England
Jewish people had been expelled from England in 1290 by Edward I, so most of Shakespeare's audience had never knowingly met a Jewish person.
Negative stereotypes were common. In 1594 Roderigo Lopez, the Queen's doctor, who was of Jewish descent, was executed for alleged treason, which stirred prejudice.
Negative stereotypes were common. In 1594 Roderigo Lopez, the Queen's doctor, who was of Jewish descent, was executed for alleged treason, which stirred prejudice.
Money and usury
Usury means lending money for interest. Christian teaching condemned it, so moneylending was often left to Jewish people, who were shut out of many trades.
Antonio lends money without interest, which damages Shylock's business.
Antonio lends money without interest, which damages Shylock's business.
Venice and genre
Venice was a rich trading city where people from many faiths did business, and its laws had to protect foreign traders.
The play is a comedy, ending in marriages, but Shylock's fate makes the ending uneasy for modern audiences.
The play is a comedy, ending in marriages, but Shylock's fate makes the ending uneasy for modern audiences.
Why does Antonio's lending without interest anger Shylock?
- Shylock makes his living from interest (usury).
- Antonio's free loans undercut him.
- He also insults Shylock for charging interest.
Answer: It damages Shylock's business and comes with public insults.
Written about 1596 to 1597; Jews expelled from England in 1290; the Lopez case of 1594; usury condemned by Christians; Venice as a trading city; a comedy with a troubling edge.
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