MoV - THEME STUDIES

Prejudice & Discrimination - THEME STUDY

Prejudice based on race + religion is central, especially against Shylock, the Jewish moneylender.

“Hath not a Jew eyes?” - Shylock (3:1) - Rhetorical question - forces the audience to question their own prejudices. Anaphora - (repetition of “Hath not…”) emphasises Shylock’s humanity + shared traits w/ Christians. Builds sympathy for Shylock, complicating the audience’s view of him.

Context:

Anti-Semitism → widespread in Elizabethan England. Jews had been expelled from England in 1290 + weren’t legally allowed back until 1656.

Shakespeare presents both sympathy for + criticism of Shylock, reflecting complex societal views.

Mercy vs. Justice - THEME STUDY

The conflict between showing compassion (mercy) + sticking rigidly to the law (justice).

“The quality of mercy is not strained…I” - Portia (4:1) - Metaphor - mercy’s described as “droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven”, associating it w/ divine grace. Juxtaposition - mercy vs. justice highlights the moral superiority of compassion over legalism.

Context:

Elizabehtan values included Christian mercy + forgiveness as virtues.

Portia argues that mercy’s divine + should be freely given, not forced - a Christian ideal.

Wealth & Materialism - THEME STUDY

Wealth is shown to be both powerful + corrupting.

“All that glisters is not gold” - Prince of Morocco (2:7) - Metaphor - suggests appearances can be deceptive. Critiques superficial judgements based on wealth. Reflects the deeper theme of value - what’s truly valuable isn’t material.

Context:

In Renaissance Venice, wealth was a key source of power, especially in trade.

Shakespeare critiques the idea that riches determine a person’s worth.

Friendship & Loyalty - THEME STUDY

Male friendship’s depicted as deeply emotional + sometimes prioritised over romantic love.

“My purse, my person, my extremest means / Lie all unlocked to your occasions.” - Antonio to Bassanio (1:1) - Tricolon - emphasises the depth of Antonio’s generosity + emotional commitment. Alliteration (“my purse, my person”) - adds poetic rhythm + emphasis. Raises questions about the intensity + nature of male friendship.

Context:

• Male friendship was idealised in Elizabethan times as noble + selfless.

• Some critics interpret Antonio’s love as potentially romantic, / at least emotionally intense.

Revenge & Forgiveness - THEME STUDY

Shylock’s desire for revenge contrasts w/ the Christian value of forgiveness.

“If you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” - Shylock (3:1) - Rhetorical question - builds a powerful logical argument for Shylock’s feelings. Emphasises the human impulse for revenge when wronged. Reveals the cycle of hatred caused by prejudice + mistreatment.

Context:

Christians were expected to forgive, as taught in the Bible.

Shylock, as a Jewish character, is often portrayed as vengeful, reinforcing stereotypes - but this line humanises him.

Love & Marriage - THEME STUDY

Love is shown both as romantic + strategic, especially in the subplot of the caskets,

“One half of me is yours, the other half yours” - Portia to Bassanio (3:2) - Repetition of “yours”: shows Portia’s devotion. Hyperbole - emphasises the extent of her self-sacrifice. Reflects the idea of romantic love but also her vulnerability.

Context:

Marriages in Shakespeare’s time were often arranged / based on wealth + alliances.

Portia’s love story combined romantic + practical concerns - Bassanio needs her money, but they also care for each other.