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The Most Interesting Character in the Merchant of Venice?

Ironically enough, to he character with the most facets in "The Merchant of Venice" seems to be Shylock. Like we discussed in class, he has every right to be distrustful and spiteful toward Antonio. After all, he was kicked, spat at, and called a curn (dog). But because he is Jewish, he is portrayed with the many same stereotypes that that the Anglo-British forced down upon them. However, in spite of all the hate thrown at him, some would say that Shakespeare never intended for Jews to receive husband kind of hate, and that he never was an anti-Semite. In one particular quote, Shylock says:

"and what's his reason? I am a Jew. Hath not 
a Jew eyes? hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, 
senses, affections, passions? Fed with the 
same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to 
the same diseases, healed by the same means..."

In this way, it seems that the audience is supposed to take pity to Shylock. Because of this piece of dialogue alone, so far it would seem to me that Shylock actually has more to him than just the "dirty Jew", and that there is a complex character to him.

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