Shylock

Shylock is a character with I’d say, the most complex personality in the entire play. He’s a good stark mix of victim and villain, possessing qualities you can both agree and disagree with. He’s a vengeful man who prioritises what he sees justice as over showing the light of mercy on others, a great example is how he pressed so hard for Antonio’s agreed punishment. He also has an almost misanthropic view on the world whilst also being a clear victim of the world's constant cruelty and injustice, which probably fuels a general disdain he has towards others.

Expanding on this, Shylock also seems to be using the offense in his personality as a way to possibly shield himself from the constant bullying he faces living in a world surrounded by judgemental, hate fueled Christians and with him living basically with a bullseye on his back. He’s clearly hurt, which that side flares up during his speech about humanity, and the similarities between us no matter our religious differences“Hath not a jew eyes? Hath not a jew hands..” His inner vulnerabilities show through during times like this. So, he clearly is someone affected by the antisemitism he faces, he simply uses a stern face and a cold personality to mask it most of the time.

Shylock changes a lot throughout the story, going from more of a victim to someone who clearly has a deeper sense of wrath and extremism inside of him, going to pretty great lengths to attempt to receive the pound of flesh he agreed to with Antonio. “Be nominated for an equal pound, Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me.” This is another thing that makes him interesting and stands out from the other characters, the fact that a pound of flesh wasn’t a legal or common thing to ask for from someone.

Another change shylock went through but I don’t think was too heavily expanded on was his reaction post trial to the verdict, having his life shattered by Portia’s knowledge of the law breaking him. He leaves the court room minus half of his wealth, his right to believe in his religion and his daughter. This would clearly be enough to absolutely break anyone, he constantly suffers from blow upon blow of antisemetic bullying and the laws he lives under are stacked against him. Knowing all of this, we can conclude saying he probably got more hateful towards the world around him after the trial, being left alone and slightly financially devastated. “you take my life when you do take the means whereby i live” shylock says that taking his livelihood is the same as taking away his life, this also shows us how business focused he is and the pride he takes in his job.