MoV - CONTEXT STUDIES

Anti-Semitism + the Treatment of Jews

Jews were expelled from England in 1290, not officially allowed back until 1656. In Shakespeare’s time, they were often portrayed as villains or greedy outsiders in popular culture.

“I hate him for he is a Christian” - Shylock (1:3) - Direct language - bluntness of “I hate” highlights deep religious division. Reflects how mutual hatred defines Christian-Jewish relations in the play. Ironically mirrors Christian prejudice against Jews, showing Shylock as both victim + aggressor.

Shakespeare uses blunt diction to present the raw emotional reality of religious intolerance.

Gender Roles & Expectations of Women

In Elizabethan society, women had no legal independence + were expected to be obedient, modest, + marry well. Education for women was rare.

“The will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father.” - Portia (1:2) - wordplay in “will” refers both to desire + her father’s literal will (inheritance rules). Irony that even in death, her father controls her marriage - reflecting patriarchal norms. Highlights women’s lack of autonomy, even if wealthy.

Shakespeare uses pun + irony to subtly criticise restrictions on women.

Justice, Law, & the Venetian Legal System

Venice was known for its strict, codified laws + reputation for impartial justice, especially important in trade. However, the play explores when justice is in conflict w/ mercy.

“The Duke cannot deny the course of law.” - Antonio (3:3) - Emphasises the rigidity of law - even the Duke is powerless. Creates tension: justice may be served, but at what moral cost? Reflects how the law protects commerce but can be inhumane.

Shakespeare use modal verbs to show powerlessness w/in a supposedly powerful role.

Wealth, Trade, & Commerce

Venice was a hub of international trade, + status was tied to financial power rather than noble birth alone. Christians, however, couldn’t lend money w/ interest, while Jews could.

“I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes?” - Shylock (3:1) - Shylock’s speech blurs the lines between moneylender + human being. Anaphora in (“Hath not…”) lists shared human traits, countering economic dehumanisation. Shylock demands recognition in a world that reduces him to his economic role.

Shakespeare uses rhetorical questions + repetition to challenge the audience’s complicity in viewing Jews through an economic lens.

Christian Morality & Hypocrisy

Elizabethan England was strongly Christian; forgiveness, mercy, + charity were key Christian values. Yet, in the play, Christians often behave in uncharitable, even cruel ways.

“The quality of mercy is not strained.” - Portia (4:1) - Metaphor in which mercy is compared to rain from heaven, gentle + divine. Ironically, Portia urges mercy while preparing to trap Shylock legally. Exposes the hypocrisy of the Christian characters, who preach virtue but seek vengeance.

Elevated religious imagery contrasts w/ the actual unmerciful actions taken by Christian characters.

Disguise & Gender Fluidity

All roles in Shakespeare’s time were played by men and boys. Also, cross-dressing in comedies (like Portia’s disguise as a lawyer) challenged gender boundaries + entertained audiences.

“I have within my mind / A thousand raw tricks of these bragging Jacks, / Which I will practise.” - Portia (3:4) - Playful tone in which Portia mocks male arrogance. Irony, because a woman must become a man to be heard in court. This reveals gender inequality + how wit, not gender, defines capability.

Shakespare uses verbal irony + cross-dressing to explore how gender roles are performative.

Venice vs. Belmont - A Structual & Contextual Contrast

Venice represents law, commerce, male-dominated public life, while Belmont represents love, music, harmoney - associated w/ femininity + morality.

“Let music sound while he doth make his choice…” - Portia (3:2) - Portia uses an imperative to control the mood, therefore showing off her female power in Belmont. The music and setting contrasts to the harsh courtroom of Venice. Suggests Belmont represents idealised values, possibly even a fantasy escape from reality.

Shakespeare uses setting contrast (juxtaposition) to highlight tensions between law + love, reason + emotion.