Outline

How anti-religious sentiments are showcased in Merchant of Venice?

Thesis: This paper will highlight the historical conflict between Christians and Jews, how

religious hampers father- daughters and how the antagonist Shylock responded to the prevalent

anti-Semitic society.

1. Anti-Semitism of the contemporary 16th century England.

A. Historical reasons.

B. Shylock and others live in a ghetto; wear a red cap to distinguish them, and shylock is

even spat at and rebuked by Antonio just because of his religion.

C. .Everyone were cheered and applauded for the harsh and unfair punishment given to

Shylock.

2. Religion acts as a barrier to the father- daughter

a. Relationship between Jessica and Shylock

b. Jessica the daughter of Jew, deeply falls in love with a Christian, Lorenzo and elopes

with him.
 c. Because Jessica eloped with a Christian Shylock becomes enriched and resolved to

punish Antonio by fulfilling the terms of the contacts, otherwise he may not have

done so.

3. How the antagonist Shylock responded to the prevalent anti-Semitic society

a. Shylock charges extra interest from Christians.

b. Shylock demands an equal pound of Antonio’s flesh in return of 3,000 ducats. If he

cannot give back.

c. Shylock is a stereotypical Jew, greedy and obsessed with money.

Work Citation
1. Niemeyer, Th. “The Judgment against Shylock in the Merchant of Venice.” Michigan Law

Review, 16 Apr, 2019, Jstor, Link - https://www.jstor.org/stable/1276185

2. Niemeyer, Th. “The Judgment against Shylock in the Merchant of Venice.” Michigan Law

Review, 16 Apr, 2019, Jstor, Link - https://www.jstor.org/stable/1276185

3. Niemeyer, Th. “The Judgment against Shylock in the Merchant of Venice.” Michigan Law

Review, 16 Apr, 2019, Jstor, Link - https://www.jstor.org/stable/1276185