Merchant Of Venice - Shylock

The Merchant of Venice is in essence, a comedy, with clearly defined ‘good guys’ and the infamous ‘villain’. The character of Shylock seems, outwardly, to be the villain of the play. He sets up a plan to take a pound of flesh from Antonio, who, outwardly, seems like a good Christian. This, however, has more depth to it than it appears. Shakespeare gives reasons for Shylock’s actions; though they may be acts of hatred, …

…the same things, he is persecuted. The play doesn’t portray Shylock as a cruel, merciless Jew. Instead, it instills in his character tendencies and desires which are no different from Christian beliefs and desires. In going so, Shakespeare reveals the hypocritical nature of the Christian’s actions, and even hints subtly at the idea that it is not Shylock who is the true villain, but Antonio and the other Christians to a greater extent.