1. Everybody Hates Shylock?
Eszter Boros-Rivera
The Mott Hall School

2. Global history Public Policy Analyst (GHPPA)
Identify the Problem
Gather the Evidence
Determine the Causes
Evaluate the Policy
Do a Comparative Analysis

3. What’s everyone’s problem with shylock?
Shylock is a reviled character, regardless of the fairness of his claim
In William Shakespeare’s 1597 play
The Merchant of Venice, the title
character Shylock is ridiculed, abused
and even spat upon.
This in turn fuels both his irrational hatred
toward Antonio and historically anti-Semitic feelings towards this play.
Identify the Problem

4. Where do we find textual evidence of antisemitism
Find textual evidence of the negative feeling the characters have toward Shylock in specific, and Jewish people in general
Class
“You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, [...] 'Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last, You spurn'd me such a day; another time You call'd me dog; and for these courtesies I'll lend you thus much moneys’?
Medieval anti-Jewish sentiments and laws
Gather the Evidence

5. Determine the causes TIME FOR RESEARCH!!! Determine the Causes
Find the roots of the anti-Jewish sentiment in the Middle Ages
Share Out findings:
Misguided RELIGIOUS ZEAL
ANTI-SEMITISM ENCOURAGED BY CRUSADES
Webquest focused antisemitism Jewishhistorywebquest.pdf
Determine the Causes

6. Does anti-Semitism exists today?
Questions to ponder:
Has Europe, Germany in particular, reconcile with World World II?
How has the creation of Israel affected the “Jewish question”?
Why do we still study plays like The Merchants of Venice, how are they still relevant, especially to an American audience?
Do a Comparative Analysis