MoV - LANGUAGE, FORM AND STRUCTURE STUDIES

Use of Prose vs Verse - LANGUAGE, FORM + STRUCTURE STUDY

“Signior Antonio, many a time + oft / In the Rialto you have rated me…” - Shylock (1:3) - speaks in blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter), showing seriousness + formality. In contrast, characters like Launcelot Gobbo speak in prose, marking them as lower status / comedic. Switching between prose + verse signals changes in tone, class, / emotion.

Formality through verse elevates a character’s speech, while prose often creates a more casual / comic tone.

Symbolism of the Caskets - LANGUAGE, FORM + STRUCTURE STUDY

Gold Casket: “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire”

Lead Casket: “Who chooseth me must give + hazard all he hath”

The caskets are a symbolic structural device used to test suitors’ values. The contrast between gold + lead caskets reflects the theme of appearance vs. reality. The use of imperatives (“choose”, “give”, “hazard”) adds a sense of challenge + fate.

Shakespeare uses symbolism + juxtaposition to explore moral values + true worth.

Dramatic Irony - LANGUAGE, FORM + STRUCTURE STUDY

“The Duke cannot deny the course of law.” - Antonio (3:3) - contains dramatic irony: the audience suspects that Portia, disguised as a lawyer, will find a loophole. Builds tension + anticipation. Reflects the rigid Venetian legal system, contrasted later by Portia’s cleverness.

Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to create suspense + highlight character flaws / misunderstandings.

Imagery of Bondage + Ownership - LANGUAGE, FORM + STRUCTURE STUDY

“You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, / And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine…” - Shylock (1:3) - violent imagery + animalistic metaphors (“cut-throat dog”) dehumanises Shylock. Emphasises Christian characters’ cruelty + deep-rooted prejudice. “Gaberdine” = Jewish clothing - used symbolically to represent identity + discrimination.

Shakespeare uses derogatory language + imagery to expose societal hatred + Shylock’s bitterness.

Repetition + Rhetoric in Shylock’s Speech - LANGUAGE, FORM + STRUCTURE STUDY

“If you prick us, do we not bleed?” - Shylock (3:1) - repetition of “do we not…” forms a rhetorical pattern, asserting shared humanity. The parallel structure makes the argument persuasive + emotionally resonant. Juxtaposition between how Jews are treated + how they actually are, challenges audience prejudice.

Shakespeare uses rhetoric + repetition to build sympathy + highlight injustice.

Portia’s Use of Legal Language - LANGUAGE, FORM + STRUCTURE STUDY

“Tarry a little, there is something else…” - Portia (4:1) - legalistic tone + controlled pace - Portia dominates the courtroom. The command “Tarry” is archaic but formal, giving her authority. Her speech builds dramatic tension as she prepares to turn the trial.

Shakespeare uses precise, formal language + pausing techniques to give Portia power + shift dynamics.

Use of Antithesis - LANGUAGE, FORM + STRUCTURE STUDY

“The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction.” - Shylock (3:1) - antithesis (“teach” vs. “execute”) shows how Shylock learns cruelty from Christians. The bitter tone reflects how hatred breeds hatred - a cyclical structure of revenge. Irony: Shylock becomes what he’s accused of due to how he’s treated.

Contrasts highlight moral corruption + societal hypocrisy.

Comic Relief + Malapropisms - LANGUAGE, FORM + STRUCTURE STUDY

“In very brief, the suit is impertinent to myself…” - Launcelot Gobbo (2:2) - confuses “impertinent” w/ “pertinent” - classic malapropism. Adds comic relief, lightening the tone between serious scenes. Also reflects his low status + lack of education.

Shakespeare uses malapropisms + wordplay to entertain + reveal character traits.