GCSE Eduqas 'The Merchant of Venice': Key Themes

Prejudice

This theme links to Antonio's treatment of Shylock because of his Jewish faith and Portia's racist attitude towards the Prince of Morocco

Revenge

This theme was common to the literature and culture of Shakespeare's time, with the Revenge tragedy being a popular genre of drama epitomised by Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and 'The Duchess of Malfi' by John Webster

Wealth

This theme is central to the play as it is tied to Portia's high social status and is a theme used to differentiate between those of Christian and Jewish faith

Love

This theme was often explored by the literature of Shakespeare's time, and Shakespeare himself incorporated the theme into the majority of his plays, especially the comedies

Marriage

This union was seen as the bedrock of Elizabethan society and was most often a business or economic transaction, designed to transfer money or raise social status, rather than one of love.

Friendship

This theme is captured in the close relationship between Antonio and Bassanio

Loyalty

This theme is exemplified through the deep trust Portia and Nerissa have towards one another and is questioned when the women realise Antonio and Bassanio are not wearing their rings

Intolerance

This theme is explored through the prejudiced experience by those of Jewish faith and African descent in the play

Justice

In the play, Shylock rejects mercy and is driven by a rigid desire for this moral value

The Law

This theme links to the idea that the rules upheld in the state of Venice can serve both good and bad agendas

Mercy

In Act IV Scene I, the Duke and Portia maintain that this Christian virtue is a better alternative to the pursuit of law or revenge

Religion

This theme links to the idea that the play centres tensions between Christian and Jewish communities

Allusion

A reference made to a religious, mythological or literary text. For example, In Act I Scene II, Portia hints at the fact she will remind unmarried by referring to a prophet from ancient times, "If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as chaste as Diana..."

Self Interest

Both the Christian and the Jewish characters at many times put their own interests before those of their loved ones

Control

Portia is unable to marry whom she chooses as her father has set the terms of her marriage and is able to dominate her even in his death

Foreshadowing

This literary device occurs in a text when the author or playwright gives clues and hints about what is to come in the plot. For example, the bloody battle in Act I foreshadows the brutal murders that are to come.

Imagery

The use of emotionally charged words and phrases to create vivid pictures in the minds of the readers or audience. There is a lot of gold and money _______ surrounding the character of Portia.

Greed vs Generosity

The moneylenders have different approaches. Shylock is seen as greedy as he charges interest to those that can ill afford it, whereas Antonio often saves other Christians from having to pay interest.

Superlative

An adjective or adverb expressing the highest or a very high degree of quality. For example, "The dearest friend to me, the kindest man..."

Elizabethan Era

The Tudor period in England while Queen Elizabeth I sat on the throne