Margani 1
J. Mercer
AP Language and Composition
21 October 2014
Merchant of Venice: Scene vii, Summary
Racism can be defined as the belief one social group is superior to another. In The Merchant of Venice racism is prominent in the conflict of religions. Back in Shakespearean time, Jewish followers were believed to be followers of Satan to the Christians and vice versa. Shylock, a Jew, is robbed by his own daughter, Jessica, who runs away with a Christian. While Shylock is in shock by this turn of events he goes into a panic, and runs to the duke. Shylock is described by Solanio as "the Wicked Jew," (2.8.4) for going to the duke with his problem, which seems almost unfair because the poor man was just robbed by his own flesh and blood. Shylock has just lost both his money and his only daughter, of course the man is going to be a bit frantic.
Once again Solanio discriminates against Shylock by calling him a "Jew dog shouting in the streets." in act II Scene VIII lines 13 and 14 when Shylock discovers his daughter has left with his money. Of course Shylock is on edge, he just lost everything he cares about, therefore his response in not uncalled for. Yet another example of discrimination is Salarinio's response to Solanio is crude with mockery of Shylock. He was mimicking the people who cared for Shylock's loss and were in panic along with him. After the scene moves on from Shylock's loss the attention is then directed to Antonio, who owes Shylock a large sum of money. Rumors have surfaced of a merchant ship being wrecked, which is nerve racking for Antonio because all his money is currently invested in such ships. He put...