The Merchant: Notes (3)

The plot as told to children in the nineteenth century:
Shylock, the Jew, lived at Venice: he was an usurer, who had amassed an immense fortune by lending money at great interest to Christian merchants. Shylock, being a hard-hearted man, exacted the payment of the money he lent with such severity that he was much disliked by all good men, and particularly by Antonio, a young merchant of Venice. . . Whenever Antonio met Shylock on the Rialto (or Exchange), he used to reproach him with his usuries and hard dealings, which the Jew would hear with seeming patience, while he secretly meditated revenge. . . . Antonio was the kindest man that lived, the best conditioned, and had the most unwearied spirit in doing courtesies. . . (Lamb's Tales 92)
Images of Shylock from an earlier age: stereotypical, though some suggest the possibility that Shylock has some tragic stature.
- With Salerio and Salanio (3.1.24)
- Charles Macready as a Shylock with some heroic qualities
- A splendid Portia and stereotypical Shylock -- with large and ugly knife
The initial meeting with Shylock: Bassanio's need, Antonio's spit, Shylock's merry sport (1.3) [videos]
Shylock's domestic life: Jessica and Lancelot Gobbo (especially 2.5)
Salerio and Salanio taunt: Shylock's famous response (3.1) [video]
The trial scene.
- Slaves and ownership.
- Law and mercy. [videos]
- Mercy? [video]
- Shylock converted -- and broken? [video]

The article by Patrick Grant in the readings
Women "masculine," men "feminine"?
A "villain" who is so interesting, motivated, and at times sympathetic that the balance of the play is disrupted?
Belmont in its literal moments, Venice in its poetic moments.
The plot of the rings (friendship versus love?): another unnecessary fifth act?

Jessica and Lorenzo: music and moonlight; love and anxiety (5.1)
The tormenting of the men; power of the women.
The unlikely ending. Ha! It was all a dream? I'm the author and can do as I like? You want a comedy? OK, here's a comedy.