Abstract
This eleven-page graduate paper discusses the character of Shylock in "Merchant of Venice" with reference to anti-Semitic crusade that was going on in England at the time Shakespeare wrote his play. The readers should study the character from all perspectives in order to gain a better understanding of Shakespeare's intentions.

Tags:merchant, venice, anti-semitism

Abstract
The paper explores why the play culminates in the ring exchange, and why the rings are such a significant part of "The Merchant of Venice". The paper addresses the symbolism, plot and general characterization and themes of this play.

From the Paper
'Throughout the ages, Shakespearean works of theatre are known to use symbols to better illustrate the human condition. As John P. Sisk says in his article "Bondage and Release in The Merchant of Venice", "The merchant has pleased many for a long time because of it is one of the best comic `just representations' of our literature of...the fullness of life through the power of love (Sisk, 221)." The comedic masterpiece "The Merchant of Venice" is no exception, and uses physical symbols (especially symbols of wealth) to expound upon the plot, the theme of mercy and further entangle..."

Tags:shakespeare, merchant of venice, ring

Abstract
This is an argumentative paper about the characterization of Shylock in the "Merchant of Venice" and whether Shakespeare should be viewed as a racist for his portrayal of Shylock. The author argues that Shakespeare is not an anti-Semite and merely reflects popular prejudice in his characterization of Shylock.

From the Paper
'Shakespeare is not an anti-Semite. He does not portray Jews with intentional slander but instead utilizes contemporary bias and prejudice to create controversy and commentary delivering social medicine to the public through the very same conduit of their prejudice. Shylock, in the Merchant of Venice, is a target and conduit for popular prejudice. By first laughing at the realization of social beliefs the audience is then stunned when Shylock forces the realization of his equality. Regarding The Merchant of Venice, and Shylock, there are two schools of thought. While many call Shakespeare a racist, anti-Semite, bigot and worse, for his many portrayals of minority groups, the portrayal of Shylock has a unique aspect, which necessarily separates it from any other instance of racism within Shakespeare s work."

Tags:caskets, culture, derogatory, gold, jew, jewish, merchant, prejudice, racism, shakespeare, shylock, slander, stereotypes, three, venice, william

Abstract
This paper looks at Portia's true love for Bassanio in Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice" and contrasts it with Antonio's self-serving, obsessive love for the same man. Reflections on Shakespeare's insights on true love are offered.

From the Paper
"The Merchant of Venice like all of his plays is full of meaning on many levels. One of the predominant themes in this play however is that of love. A number of people in the play either love each other or claim to.."

Tags:Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, love

Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of the concept of bonds in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice". The analysis focuses on bonds of law, religion, and social custom or community to show that without mercy and trust, good relationships cannot emerge nor can a civil society.

From the Paper
"In William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" we are treated to the rivalry between a merchant, Antonio, and his enemy, Shylock, a money-lender. While the play revolves around the loan Shylock provides Antonio, demanding a pound of flesh if not paid in a timely fashion, it is also a love story between Bassanio and Portia. There is also a love relationship between Jessica and Lorenzo and a strong case might be made for Antonio loving Bassanio. Antonio's affection..."

Tags:Jewish, usury, loans, deception, Portia, Antonio, Shylock, Bassanio, Venice, prejudice, honesty

Abstract
This paper states that, in these Shakespeare's plays, women are equal to men and are not excluded when it comes to love and Christianity, but they are lesser than men and are excluded when it comes to politics and power. The author explains that "The Merchant of Venice" women are portrayed as being equal to men and as having as much power as men; but, in "Julius Caesar", women are portrayed as being lesser than men and as having little power. The paper concludes that, in "The Merchant of Venice", masculine activity is limited and does not exist to isolate women; but, in "Julius Caesar", masculine activity is large and exists to exclude women.

From the Paper
"This difference in subject and theme explains why Shakespeare offers two very different views in the two plays. These different views do not represent that Shakespeare has a view of women that is really any different in either play. Instead, it represents that Shakespeare regards women differently depending on the subject and theme to which he is applying his ideas. The differences in the play in regards to women and the sphere of masculine activity will now be described by illustrating the differences and relating them to the themes and subjects of the plays."

Tags:christianity, love, power, politics, theme

Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" that focuses on how the author uses Venice as a setting obsessed with law and commerce to enrich the humor among the character relationships in the comedy.

From the Paper
"William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" is a romantic comedy that includes the dark element of Shylock. However, this character and the Venetian society and setting against which he operates are a large measure of the satire and humor in the comedy. The effort to find an honest man in all of Venice is part of the quest in the play that lends the comedy a great deal of humor. Surely Shylock, demanding his pound of flesh is an exaggeration to invoke humor about..."

Tags:profit, interpretation, enemies, friends, lovers, contracts, ring, symbols

Abstract
This paper looks at the character Portia in Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice." This paper will illustrate how this character is portrayed by her words. This paper will also look at her actions and explain what is happening in the play.

Abstract
This paper discusses Shylock as a Jew, usurer and alien in the William Shakespeare play, "A Merchant in Venice".

Abstract
This essay explores the themes of love, and loss, in two of Shakespeare's plays - "King Lear", and "The Merchant of Venice". Here, two characters are examined in order to understand their movements through loss and grief, towards redemption through love. The relation of personal and social identity is regarded as the primary effect of loss, giving way to grief and hatred. Similarly, through love, a sense of self is restored, thus enabling each character a way to redeem themselves, and to re-connect with a sense of identity.