William Shakespeare

Merchant of Venice

Context in which Shakespeare wrote his plays

What is the difference between the language of the main characters and minor characters in
Shakespeare's plays? To what extent does the language used by Shakespeare's characters
reflect their social status?

Main characters speak in a poetic language. They use fancy words to show their high education
and high status
Minor characters speak in everyday language, often with humor and a casual tone.
Shakespeare uses language to show social differences, with noble characters speaking in a
more elevated way and commoners using more straightforward, everyday speech.

Imagine you have to give a presentation/speech to the class 800-1000 words about the
historical and social context of Shakespeare's plays, including themes, concerns
existing in his times. Make the speech persuasive, you have to sound as if it is
interesting
Who has not heard of Shakespeare. His timeless themes, timeless characters, timeless
situations.

The Elizabethan and Jacobean periods were a great time for English theater, with Shakespeare
at the center of it all. Theaters like the Globe were popular places where people from all classes
could come together to watch plays—whether they were dramas, comedies, or tragedies.

Shakespeare’s plays weren’t just for fun; they also dealt with important issues like politics,
religion, and social changes. The theater allowed people from different backgrounds to connect
with the stories, no matter if they were rich or poor.

Shakespeare was also very creative. His clever use of language, interesting characters, and
skill in writing both poetry and regular speech made his plays stand out. He was really good at
showing the details of human emotions and relationships, which is why his plays are still
enjoyed today.

The late 16th and early 17th centuries that Shakespeare existed in, known as the
Elizabethan and Jacobean eras were periods where there was a lot of change and discovery.
England was experiencing changes in culture, ideas, norms and values.
Shakespeare’s plays were not just entertainment; they were a way to explore the important
issues of the day. However, it was also a time of tension and uncertainty. The English
Reformation caused a lot of religious conflict. Shakespeare wrote his plays in the middle of
these conflicts, and you can see themes of betrayal and power struggles in his work that reflect
the worries of his time.

In Shakespeare's time, society was divided into clear social classes: nobles, gentry, the middle
class, and commoners. Your social status determined your opportunities, rights, and even the
way you spoke. Nobles and royalty were expected to be educated and refined, while
commoners were often seen as uneducated. But the social structure was starting to change.
The middle class was growing, thanks to trade and commerce, and this started to challenge the
traditional power dynamics. Shakespeare often explored these changes in his plays, using
characters like Malvolio in Twelfth Night or Shylock in The Merchant of Venice to show the
tensions between the old aristocracy and the rising middle class.

Shakespeare used language to highlight these social differences. In his plays, noble characters
often speak in blank verse—a rhythmic, formal way of speaking that shows their high status. On
the other hand, common characters speak in prose, which is more straightforward and casual.

Shakespeare’s work was greatly influenced by the ideas of the Renaissance, especially
humanism. The Renaissance was a time when people became interested in the old writings of
ancient Greece and Rome. This movement focused on human potential and the importance of
individual thoughts and feelings.

In his plays, Shakespeare often looks at the complexities of human life, showing how his
characters can be both great and flawed. For example, in Hamlet, when the main character
says, “What a piece of work is man!” he is reflecting the Renaissance’s belief in the dignity and
potential of humans, even while the play also looks at the darker sides of human nature.

When we look at the historical and social context of Shakespeare’s plays, we realize that his
work is much more than just a product of its time. Shakespeare had an amazing talent for
capturing what it means to be human—exploring the fears, hopes, and challenges of his society
in a way that still speaks to us today.

The themes Shakespeare explored—like power, ambition, love, betrayal, and identity—are
universal. His plays continue to resonate because they touch on the core of what it means to be
human. Whether we’re dealing with issues of power in our own lives, questioning what’s right
and wrong, or just trying to figure out where we fit in the world, Shakespeare’s words offer
valuable insights.

So, as we study his plays, let’s not just see them as old texts from the past. Let’s appreciate
how the historical and social influences of his time shaped his work and how these themes still
matter today. Shakespeare’s legacy continues to inspire us, even over 400 years later, and
reminds us of the enduring power of storytelling.

To what extent is the identity of Shylock represented through the concept of

RESEARCH TOPICS
● Identity
● Discrimination
● Bias

Shylock is a fictional character in the Merchant of Venice. The Merchant of Venice was written
by Shakespeare during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the I. This was a time where Christians
were superior than Jews, having a higher status in society. The identity of Shylock reflects the
negative stereotypes and biases of the time. Understanding the societal beliefs of the time helps
us understand why Shylock is portrayed the way he is in the play.

Shylock is a Jewish moneylender who believes that charging interest brings in good profit,
creating a sensible business. Because Jews were excluded from many jobs, moneylending
became one of his few options. However, money lending was looked down on and created a
negative stereotype about Jews. It gives a person more power, but makes them more
vulnerable to discrimination. Shylock develops feelings of hatred, anger, and resentment
towards Christians due to the insult and disrespect he faces. He is viewed by others as an evil,
unfair character, but he does not think of himself in that way. His identity is a mix of his religion,
personality traits, social status, and the way he conducts business.

But is he the villain or the victim? In the play, he is portrayed as an antagonist rather than the
villain. The reason behind him not being the villain is because of the role he plays as a victim
due to the discrimination and bias he encountered. Although he is viewed as an antagonist, he
also has feelings of loneliness and isolation, adding depth to his character. His famous speech
“Hath not a Jew eyes?” argues for a fair and equal society, where Jews can be equal to
Christians.

In the play, Shylock faced a lot of discrimination due to him being a Jew. The majority of people
around him, in the society he lived in, were Jews. There were conflicts between Christians and
Jews, which played a role in turning him into an greedy, immoral person, who was constantly
seeking revenge. The discrimination he faces also heavily affects his relationship with
characters in the play, for example Antonio, Portia, etc. In the play, Christians view Jews as
inferior characters. They consider Jews as less human, and they want to prove that they hold a
superior rank to them. This is why their relationships are filled with hate and conflict. He is
shown as greedy and selfish because he demands a pound of flesh from Antonio, the man who
borrowed the money for his friend, as collateral for the loan. The tensions between him and
Antonio showcase the tensions between Jews and Christians in society.

The legal agreement between Shylock and Antonio shows Shylock's intentions to get revenge,
rather than financial compensation. Shylock and Antonio have an unpleasant relationship, as
they detest each other due to societal views. He seeks revenge, wanting to get back at Antonio
for the insult and disrespect he receives from him. This demand from Shylock shows how
affected he is by the prejudice he faces, and his desperate need to prove himself in a society
that looks down on him. The terms of the agreement show how frustrated Shylock is with the
bias and negativity he faces.

The play clearly shows the stereotypes against Jews in society when the play was written. It
shows the biases of Shylock's time, portraying Jews as individuals who had emotional depths to
their characters. Discrimination affected Jews in many different ways. It affected their jobs,
financial situation, relationships with other individuals, etc.

The Merchant of Venice revolves around themes of bias, discrimination, and the deep prejudice
faced by Jews. The play reflects the problems faced by Jews in society at that time. Shylock's
identity is shaped by societal values, his experiences, and his relationships with others.