by William Shakespeare The Merchant of Venice IES ‘MARÍA ZAMBRANO’ – LEGANÉS (MADRID)

A Little History Lesson… Venice in the late-1500’s – The richest city in Europe – Home to many tradesmen, foreigners, and different religious views – Jewish people were targeted – negatively

Religious Intolerance Jewish people confined to ghetto – Gated “community” Treated with little or no respect – Kicked or spit on – Cheated – Forced to wear red caps It Can be seen in The Merchant of Venice! Shylock in a film version of The Merchant of Venice 

Venetian Women They were… Not respected Under the rule/command of men – In the play: Jessica and her father Portia and her father – But not necessarily their father… Husbands, brothers, uncles, etc. No political power

Shakespeare’s England (in the mid-1500’s) Under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I Jews expelled in the Middle Ages Nation-wide conflict between Catholics and Protestants Playwrights had to be careful not to offend anyone; especially the Queen! Similar to Venice: – Important European city – Cosmopolitan – Home to many foreigners

Let the Play Begin! Things to remember while reading: –Religious intolerance –Role of women –Importance of trade and economics Pay attention to: –Relationships Between men and women –How are the women treated? –How are the Jews treated?

Important Characters Antonio: a merchant of Venice Bassanio: Antonio’s friend; Portia’s suitor Shylock: a Jew Jessica: Shylock’s daughter Portia: an heiress “looking for” a husband Nerissa: Portia’s friend and lady-in-waiting

Act One - Summary Antonio … a very influential merchant – Has many ships out at sea Bassanio …is pursuing Portia – Her father wants her to marry “Casket Game” Portia: not impressed Shylock … is mocked by Antonio – The deal

Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? Act One Why is Antonio sad? – Is he in love? – Is he nervous about ships? The casket game will rule out unworthy suitors – Explanation Relationship between Antonio and Shylock – What it says about the prejudices of Venice at the time?

Act Two - Summary Portia’s suitors: – Morocco chooses gold – Arragon chooses silver Significance Shylock’s daughter, Jessica – Her plot and elopement; Shylock’s lament venice/images/william-shakespeares-the-merchant-of-venice html

Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? Act Two Is there such a thing as true as love in this play? What can be said of Shylock? – Directly (according to text) – Indirectly (interpretations, analyses, or ideas?)

Act Three - Summary News of Antonio’s ships – Shylock rejoices, then returns to cursing daughter Father’s sins delivered on daughter? Bassanio tries the “Casket Game” (Portia in her disguise  ) – Chooses lead and wins Significance? Antonio is bankrupt; Shylock gets his revenge – …or does he? Portia’s loyalty to Antonio: a plot hatches Interpretations, Analyses, and Ideas? – Shakespeare: painting Shylock as malicious? Or justifiable? Portia-in-the-Merchant-of-Venice-Posters_i _.html

Act Four - Summary Antonio’s trial – Portia to the rescue – How it all backfires on Shylock Shylock’s punishment – Half of his estate  Antonio Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? – Contract between Antonio and Shylock = fair? Why does Shylock turn down the money? %3Av0qd01-tdlq&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=shylock&sa=Search#922

Act Five - Summary Happy Ending! – Jessica and her lover – Portia and Bassanio The “Ring Game” Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? – What the “Ring Game” says about Portia And women in general

And so … Shakespeare: anti-Semitist? – Or an advocate for the Jews? The cross-dressing women: is he empowering them? – Or: powerful = “become” men? What do the three caskets mean? What are YOUR thoughts?

Fine ( The End)

References Shakespeare, William, and Stephen Greenblatt. The Norton Shakespeare. New York: W.W. Norton, Print.