Good And Evil In Shylock

8 Pages 1936 Words

k could be viewed as such a ‘devil’ that his servant and even his own daughter plead to leave him. On the other hand, both characters gained financially through their departure. Launcelot goes from working for a money conscious ‘Jew’ to working for a man who soon becomes the husband of a wealthy heiress. He also steals Shylock’s daughter. When referring to his intentions, Launcelot states, “How I shall take her from her father’s house; What gold and jewels she is furnished with” (II. iv. 33-34). Jessica goes from a strictly religious and stern home to Antonio, possessing much of her father’s stolen jewels. When she runs away, she steals from her father, adding insult to the injury she has committed. Shylock could be viewed as mistreating his daughter, demanding that she, “Not thrust her head into the public street To gaze on Christian fools with garnished faces” (II. v. 32-33). However, he could also be viewed as a Jewish man protecting his family’s bloodline. While he may be excessively strict with Jessica, she mistreats him with her lack of loyalty to her father. The third person that Shylock mistreats is Antonio. Antonio goes to Shylock on behalf of Bassanio, who seeks the financial backing to court Portia. When speaking of Antonio, Shylock states:
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