Anti-Semitism in "The Merchant of Venice"

Throughout the play, "The Merchant of Venice" William Shakespeare portrays anti-Semitism through many of his characters. Audiences today may interpret the play to be offensive, where as people of Shakespeare’s time would have accepted the play as part of everyday life. The majority of London’s population at the time was anti-Semitic because there were very few Jews living there. Shakespeare’s "The Merchant of Venice" supports anti-Semitism actions and thoughts and therefore it …

…decided to find a new master because he thought that being around a Jew was dangerous to his health and mind. Lorenzo stated that the only way Shylock would get to heaven is by his gentle daughter. Jessica showed her dislike towards Jews when she ran away from her father to elope with a Christian man. These four characters’ attitudes and thoughts throughout "The Merchant of Venice" make it an anti- Semitic play. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**