Act I Scene II in the Merchant of Venice by William...

Act I Scene II in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare The overwhelming impression from Act I, scene iii, is of the tension between the two main characters, Shylock and Antonio. We learn that this tension is owing to the way Shylock has been treated by Antonio in the past, and yet in their verbal battles Shylock appears unable to take full advantage of Antonio needing his help and the unique power this should give him. Throughout this scene whenever Shylock wishes to rub in the change in their positions, Antonio sticks to his principles and resists, and it is Shylock who has to change tactics. However, at the close of the scene Shylock has succeeded in drawing Antonio into a deadly trap†¦show more content†¦He starts off by being honest, spelling out that though he doesnt lend nor borrow money for interest, he will break a custom to help his friend Bassanio (line 61). When Shylock will not give a direct answer and quotes the biblical story of Jacob to justify charging interest Antonio becomes sarcastic, he calls him sir and mock s him by asking is your gold and silver ewes and rams? (lines 88; 92). With Shylocks crude joke about these breeding Antonio interrupts him with an angry insult The devil can cite Scripture and says he is like a villain (lines 95; 97). After Shylock rubs in that Antonio now appears to need my help (line 111) and lists Antonios past insults, Antonio appears to lose patience. He naively tells Shylock nothing will change and he should lend him the money as an enemy and then Exact the penalty (lines 132; 134). Finally, Antonio again naively agrees to Shylocks bond despite Bassanios warnings. He listens instead to Shylock and is deceived by his claims of friendship and even that The Hebrew will turn Christian (lines 165;175). This is proved by his farewell to Shylock Hie thee, gentle Jew (line 174). This change to a positive attitude towards Shylock is perhaps owing to the fact that he has succeeded in getting the loan to help his friend Bassanio. His judgement seems clouded because desp ite Shylock listingShow MoreRelatedGender Issues In The Merchant Of Venice1359 Words   |  6 PagesThe Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare was an in depth play that contains many issues over race, sexuality, and gender. William Shakespeare does a great job at portraying the characters views on these issues. The conflicts between the characters are captivating. This play has constant complications that can be related to modern times. Right off the bat Shakespeare introduces the characters as having values of honorability, love, passion, and religion. 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