The Merchant of Venice

The Problematic Comedy William Shakespeare, an English playwright of the 16th century, is famous throughout the literary world as one of the greatest of all dramatists. Shakespeare's plays communicate a profound knowledge of the source of human behavior, revealed through portrayals of a wide variety of characters. His use of poetry within his plays to express the deepest levels of human motivation in individual, social, and universal situations is considered one of the greatest accomplishments …

…the characters’ personas. Compassion or empathy can’t be felt toward a blatantly malicious character. The aspects of Anti-Semitism and racism created a dark or uncertain feeling. Shylock is a product of the treatment he suffered. Despite his behavior, Antonio isn’t a villain, and yet, arguably, neither is Shylock. Having suffered for his Jewish faith at the hands of Antonio, his daughter, and Venice, Shylock is an indisputable victim in The Merchant of Venice.