Merchant Venice

Essay by EssaySwap ContributorHigh School, 10th grade February 2008

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The religious views of both, Antonio and Shylock, were shown very strongly. The religious opinions of both characters were that their religion was higher. In the play Antonio owned ships with valuable goods and was extremely generous. He always relied on their return to shore and expressed his faith in this book. On the other hand, Shylock was a greedy man and used the Bible for sources of interest to collect more money.

Shylock is being very judgmental because Shylock doesn't really know Antonio, all he knows is that he is very generous when he loans money to people taking away from his business, and that he is a Christian. Antonio happens to be a great man and Shylock didn't even give him a chance, he just hates Antonio for being of different religion.

"Why, fear not, man, I will not for felt it! Within these three months that's a month before this bond expires I do expect, return of thrice three times the value of this bond."

Antonio assuring Shylock that his ship with all his goods will return with the interest that Antonio owes Shylock for borrowing money said this phrase. This shows Antonio's trust in his ship even though there were strong winds and high chances that his ship will not come home. Antonio is very trustworthy about the situation and no matter what happens he thinks he will be successful.

On the other hand, Shylock is a wise businessman, but very greedy. When Shylock gave Antonio a loan, he charged him interest justifies it by the story in the Bible. Antonio and Shylock are very similar people as well as opposites. Both, as proven in the beginning of the story, are against each other due to their religion and believe that their religion is the higher one. Antonio is generous, and Shylock is greedy, by asking for three times the loan. Antonio agrees to the deal, being very faithful that his ship will return safely, and Shylock is very clever, but sneaky, in terms of this deal. Shylock thinks that there is a great possibility that he won't be able to pay and creates a contract saying that he wants one pound of flesh from Antonio. Antonio is a very good man but lack some common sense. Also, Antonio doesn't think situations through and puts his life on the line for a friend. Plus, Antonio should know you don't make deals with your enemies.