Discussing Anti-Semitism and Shakespeare Mr Wilson English 406

Common-Place Books Given what you know so far about Shakespeare and The Merchant of Venice – do you think Shakespeare was Anti-Semitic? Given what you know so far about Shakespeare and The Merchant of Venice – do you think Shakespeare was Anti-Semitic? Use examples to support your answer. Use examples to support your answer. (10 Minutes) (10 Minutes)

Some background info… The main reason Jews were exiled from England, Spain and Portugal was because of their religion. The main reason Jews were exiled from England, Spain and Portugal was because of their religion. King Edward I “Edict of Expulsion” 1290 King Edward I “Edict of Expulsion” 1290

Jews in Medieval England In order to understand English and therefore Shakespearian views on Jews – Let us talk about the Crusades. In order to understand English and therefore Shakespearian views on Jews – Let us talk about the Crusades.

The Crusades The Crusades were mostly fought by Christina Europe against the Muslims, the Jews and the pagan Slavs. The Crusades were mostly fought by Christina Europe against the Muslims, the Jews and the pagan Slavs. Basically, anyone who was not Western European and not Christian was targeted. Basically, anyone who was not Western European and not Christian was targeted. It was during this time that the idea of the Jews “killing Christ” appears and it was the main motivation for many persecutions. It was during this time that the idea of the Jews “killing Christ” appears and it was the main motivation for many persecutions.

The Crusades Edward the I, who was the king of England during this time: “extorted a crushing poll-tax from them and had forbidden them to settle as newcomers in any town of district of his kingdom” (Sinsheimer 37). Edward the I, who was the king of England during this time: “extorted a crushing poll-tax from them and had forbidden them to settle as newcomers in any town of district of his kingdom” (Sinsheimer 37).

The Banishment Though many Jews asked to leave the country, the official banishment of all Jews from England was not official until Though many Jews asked to leave the country, the official banishment of all Jews from England was not official until It was not until 1750 that they were allowed back in. It was not until 1750 that they were allowed back in.

Jews in Spain “The Iberian Jews,” lived as organic parts of their respective States “The Iberian Jews,” lived as organic parts of their respective States They were ardent patriots, pillars of the throne, civil servants, diplomats, financiers of war and peace…” They were ardent patriots, pillars of the throne, civil servants, diplomats, financiers of war and peace…”

The Banishment 1492: Jews were banished from the United Kingdom of Aragon and Castille by Queen Isabella and King Fernando. 1492: Jews were banished from the United Kingdom of Aragon and Castille by Queen Isabella and King Fernando.

The Spanish Inquisition

Interesting Question… So if Jews were not allowed into England until 1750 or around then and Shakespeare Merchant of Venice was not written until , had Shakespeare ever seen a Jew in his life? So if Jews were not allowed into England until 1750 or around then and Shakespeare Merchant of Venice was not written until , had Shakespeare ever seen a Jew in his life?

Jews of the Stage “Gerontus the Good Jew of Turkey” “Gerontus the Good Jew of Turkey” Gerontus threatens to take Mercadore to court. Mercadore laughs in his face and tells Gerontus that Mercadore was told by his lover to cheat the Jew out of his money and not repay him “Barrabas, The Wicked Jew of Malta” “Barrabas, The Wicked Jew of Malta” Written in 1591 by Edward Alleyn Written in 1591 by Edward Alleyn Depicts Barrabas is the exact opposite of Shylock. Depicts Barrabas is the exact opposite of Shylock.

In your Common-Place Books Free write about your reaction about what you have just learned. How has this changed your view of William Shakespeare? Do you still think he is Anti-Semitic? Or do you think he was simply ignorant…Support your answer using evidence from our discussion and The Merchant of Venice. Do you still think he is Anti-Semitic? Or do you think he was simply ignorant…Support your answer using evidence from our discussion and The Merchant of Venice.