Parents and Children in Shakespeare

Paper Summary:

Both of these plays "Henry V" and "The Merchant of Venice" delve into the complex world of parent/child relationships. In "Henry V" we see how the young king's actions are heavily influenced by the relationship with his father and how his father's blood and legacy determine the path he will take. In "The Merchant of Venice" there are more contrasts in the relationships with affection between Lancelot and his father Old Gobbo, but the opposite with Jessica and her father Shylock. The writer shows how the parent/child relationship has dominated families for centuries, and Shakespeare's works help show the complexities of this nearly unavoidable family relationship.

From the Paper:

"Difficulties with parent/child relationships have been common themes for centuries, and it seems that was no different in Shakespeare's time. Many of Shakespeare's works include some sort of relationship between parent and child at odds. Often, this relationship is the catalyst that alters the play's plot and outcome (think of Romeo & Juliet, and the family feud between the Capulets and the Montegues). These two plays indicate parent/child relationships can be amicable, such as the relationship between Lancelot Gobbo and his father Old Gobbo, or they can be acrimonious, such as the relationship between Jessica and her father, Shylock. The lives of these characters indicate the strong bond between parent and child that, if not careful, can turn into a form of bondage and great discontent. Both plays illustrate difficult parent/child relationships and the ability of parents to mold and influence their children's lives, even after death."

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