Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" -- The ring, the caskets, and the pound of flesh, and how they are symbols of Shylock's often-overlooked humanity.

The Merchant of Venice is a play known for its characters, for the cunning and brainish Shylock, for the mischievous, youthful lovers, and for its surprising views on Jews and culture in the Elizabethan era. When read, however, one discovers that there is more more to the play than its saleable traits. There are three pivotal plots, which intertwine in the play: the border, the coffins, and the pound of flesh. The ring is, perhaps, the most easily unmarked object in the play. It was given to the bachelor Shylock by Leah, Jessicas mother, and though it is only work forcetioned briefly its signifi stopce is great. When Shylock learns that his daughter, Jessica has stolen the ring and traded it for a monkey, he expresses poignant and eloquent grief for its waiver: I would not have given it for a natural relegate of monkeys (III.i.101-2). This vulnerability and humanity is startlingly uncharacteristic for the readers view of Shylock, and we are surprised to witness him feeling human emotions aside from discolour bile and greed. For us to view Shylock as inhuman, we essential do so in the face of this evidence that he can both love and mourn. The contest of the close ins - gold, silver, and pinny lead - is a mission of the culture and laws of Venice.

The contest is cleared to all men, from all nationalities and religions, who wish to seek Portias hand in marriage, just as the city of Venice is one of wealth, business and prospect for all - Christian or Jew - to seek a fortune. all(prenominal) of the caskets bears an inscription; the gold casket says Who chooseth me sh all gain what many men desire (II.vii.5), th! e silver casket says Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves (II.vii.7), and the lead casket... If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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