Three Classic English "Christian" Texts

Paper Summary:

The paper states that all three works are a critique of Christian behavior and decadence in their contemporary Christian societies. The author feels that the key to understanding the sense in which these texts are Christian involves understanding the function and portrayal of the Jew, which are more functional props than human characters.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The Prioress' Tale
The Ecclesia
The Christian Masses
Who They Judge
What they Judge
The Positive Model
The Jew of Malta
Murder
Avarice and Theft
Lack Of Chastity
Trickery and Deceit
The Positive Model
The Merchant of Venice
The Court Scene
The Corruption of the Positive Model
Significant Names
Shylock
Jessica
Tubal
Chus
Conclusion

From the Paper:

""I Stand here for Law" (The Merchant of Venice IV I 142) declares Shylock. While he literally means that he is awaiting the judgment according to the law of Venice, it is also metaphorically true within the religious framework of the text. As a Jew, Shylock is representative of the outlook which (in Christian thinking) demands strict adherence to the law as opposed to the Christian stand for mercy. But here, as in the other works we have examined, the sole significance of the Jew is to provide a standard by which to measure the Christian by comparison and contrast. From a Christian point of view, Shylock and his religion are presumed corrupt; Judaism itself is beyond saving; the best one can do for its members is to convert them individually to Christianity."

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