JC Sample Answer - Act 3, Scene 1: Shylock's Grief and Revenge How does this scene make the audience feel? (Using P.Q.E.)

Act 3, Scene 1 of The Merchant of Venice makes the audience feel both sympathy and shock towards Shylock.

This scene reveals Shylock's deep sorrow over his treatment and loss, invoking a complex emotional response that highlights both his humanity and vengeful motivations.

Point: We feel sympathy for Shylock because he has just lost his daughter Jessica, who has run away with a Christian and stolen his money.

Quote: "She is damned for it," and "My own flesh and blood to rebel!"

Point: We feel sympathy for Shylock because he has just lost his daughter Jessica, who has run away with a Christian and stolen his money.

Explain: This shows that Shylock is not only angry but heartbroken. He feels betrayed by his daughter, and the audience may feel sorry for him, even if they don't agree with everything he says.

Point: However, we are also shocked by how much hatred and revenge he expresses, especially toward Antonio.

Quote: He says, "If it will feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge."

Point: However, we are also shocked by how much hatred and revenge he expresses, especially toward Antonio.

Explain: This line makes the audience uneasy because Shylock seems more focused on getting revenge than justice. His desire for a pound of flesh seems cruel, even though he has been treated badly.

Point: One of the most powerful parts of the scene is when Shylock speaks about being a Jew

Quote: "Hath not a Jew eyes?"

Point: One of the most powerful parts of the scene is when Shylock speaks about being a Jew

Explain: This famous speech makes the audience think about prejudice and equality. Shylock reminds everyone that Jews are human too, and this can make the audience question their own views and the treatment of outsiders.

Conclusion:

This scene makes the audience feel conflicted. We understand Shylock's pain and feel for him, but we are also disturbed by how far he is willing to go for revenge. Shakespeare uses this scene to make us think deeply about justice, mercy, and prejudice