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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is, by plot alone, thoroughly entertaining, but there are many complexities at work that make it meaningful and thought-provoking. It is also a play that is problematic for current readers, because of its stereotypes and racism. Shylock, for example, is the villain of the play, and the depiction of him is very upsetting as it depends on queasy stereotypes.
An argument can be made that Shakespeare was aware of these stereotypes and used them to also implicate the so-called heroes of the play: the Christians and the Christian merchants. There are some great lines that shine a sudden spotlight on their practices, related to commerce, mercy, and governance, that makes them just as villainous. As my professor pointed out, the line "Which is the merchant here and which is the Jew?" (IV.i.173) is an extraordinary one because it collapses the differences between Christians and Jews (and also people who lend money with interest and those that don't) and makes them indistinguishable.
And yet, the slurs continue, the villain gets his comeuppance (even if it is further complicated and complex.) For me, the most uncomfortable moments in the play were between Portia disguised as Doctor Balthazar and Shylock. Coming off the previously mentioned line and because, to me at least, she is the true hero of the play, it would seem she has some sympathy for him, but as she deploys her legal positioning, she can't help but to demean him further.
As I mentioned, I absolutely adore the character of Portia. While fully embedded in the gender roles and norms of the time, she repeatedly subverts them, refashioning the world around her to her desires.
There is an obvious question to be asked about the sexuality of Antonio, who I originally thought was going to be the main protagonist. He seems to be obviously in love with his best friend Bassanio. He repeatedly expresses this love, is depressed by this love, and gives Bassanio anything he wants, including the loan that starts the mess in the first place. There is also the remarkable ring giving at the end, which in my opinion suggests a kind of marriage, perhaps with Portia instigating it knowing full well what it means.
In summary, The Merchant of Venice is disturbing, entertaining, thought-provoking, and challenging. As modern readers we should frown at the biases of the past, but we should also recognize how these biases continue today. Perhaps we can even appreciate how Shakespeare may have been undermining those stereotypes at a time when they were rampant and widely held.
An argument can be made that Shakespeare was aware of these stereotypes and used them to also implicate the so-called heroes of the play: the Christians and the Christian merchants. There are some great lines that shine a sudden spotlight on their practices, related to commerce, mercy, and governance, that makes them just as villainous. As my professor pointed out, the line "Which is the merchant here and which is the Jew?" (IV.i.173) is an extraordinary one because it collapses the differences between Christians and Jews (and also people who lend money with interest and those that don't) and makes them indistinguishable.
And yet, the slurs continue, the villain gets his comeuppance (even if it is further complicated and complex.) For me, the most uncomfortable moments in the play were between Portia disguised as Doctor Balthazar and Shylock. Coming off the previously mentioned line and because, to me at least, she is the true hero of the play, it would seem she has some sympathy for him, but as she deploys her legal positioning, she can't help but to demean him further.
As I mentioned, I absolutely adore the character of Portia. While fully embedded in the gender roles and norms of the time, she repeatedly subverts them, refashioning the world around her to her desires.
There is an obvious question to be asked about the sexuality of Antonio, who I originally thought was going to be the main protagonist. He seems to be obviously in love with his best friend Bassanio. He repeatedly expresses this love, is depressed by this love, and gives Bassanio anything he wants, including the loan that starts the mess in the first place. There is also the remarkable ring giving at the end, which in my opinion suggests a kind of marriage, perhaps with Portia instigating it knowing full well what it means.
In summary, The Merchant of Venice is disturbing, entertaining, thought-provoking, and challenging. As modern readers we should frown at the biases of the past, but we should also recognize how these biases continue today. Perhaps we can even appreciate how Shakespeare may have been undermining those stereotypes at a time when they were rampant and widely held.
Una obra espectacular. Antes de nada, decir que no suelo leer teatro, pero que tras haberlo hecho, en absoluto me arrepiento.
La premisa de la historia es sencilla, pagar una libra de carne a Shylock. Pero como se mezclan diferentes subtramas, amorosas la mayoría, se le dota a la historia de una complejidad y profundidad inesperadas. Contrasta esto con lo que a priori parecía ser una obra más superficial, dando una grata sorpresa. Los personajes contribuyen, además, a esto, pues tiene cada uno personalidades e intereses diferentes, y más para ser teatro. Por último, la prosa de Shakespeare (o de la traducción al menos), me ha parecido cautivadora.
La premisa de la historia es sencilla, pagar una libra de carne a Shylock. Pero como se mezclan diferentes subtramas, amorosas la mayoría, se le dota a la historia de una complejidad y profundidad inesperadas. Contrasta esto con lo que a priori parecía ser una obra más superficial, dando una grata sorpresa. Los personajes contribuyen, además, a esto, pues tiene cada uno personalidades e intereses diferentes, y más para ser teatro. Por último, la prosa de Shakespeare (o de la traducción al menos), me ha parecido cautivadora.
I have never read such a succesful and sweet comedy, even by Shakespeare. It reveals the unchangeable nature of man, shown in manners of a Jew and a woman who is devoted herself to her man.
This was written at a different time for a different audience. Now, it fails for me as a comedy. As another reviewer wrote, it's more of a tragedy, extremely awkward in its massive stereotyping and labeling of Shylock and Jewish people.
There are several wholly unrealistic twists, especially Portia (and her maid) disguising themselves and becoming the expert witness/defense attorney in the trial. And the whole ring thing…
The usual excellent Shakespearean writing, of course, and interesting (and sad) to see how this (or maybe just history in general, I suppose) has impacted later literature and life.
There are several wholly unrealistic twists, especially Portia (and her maid) disguising themselves and becoming the expert witness/defense attorney in the trial. And the whole ring thing…
The usual excellent Shakespearean writing, of course, and interesting (and sad) to see how this (or maybe just history in general, I suppose) has impacted later literature and life.
I loved the plot around Shylock, which also means that I completely lost my interest after he left the stage in act 4, scene 1. I'm just not invested in the other characters, maybe a bit in Portia, but she's only some comic relief in the following scenes and not the strong character she was before.
"I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done than to be one of the twenty to follow mine own teaching" (p 59).
I watched the 1973 movie while reading along and I believe it increased my enjoyment a lot, considering I've never really cared for Shakespeare before.
I found myself smiling at the Portia-lottery scenes, laughing at the strangely-acted out Shylock scenes, being confused when the movie skipped lines from the book... It added up to me actually liking this play.
Antonio's a sweet dude. He sold himself away for B so he could find love and "possibly" pay Antonio back double. I thought without a doubt Antonio would get screwed over, but B really had his back which was nice to see. The Jessica and Lorenzo stuff was weird, I didn't really see a point to it. I get that Jessica, Shylock's daughter, has to run away in order for Shylock to really feel grief and want vengeance but it was just unnecessary. Also the Lancelot stuff, especially with his dad, had me so confused. Like why are you messing with your blind dad, clown? He was a poor excuse of a clown if I say so myself. The Portia stuff was interesting. Like it was cool of her to help out her man and his friend, but why feel the need to test him like that? I'm glad she didn't hold it against him. The happy ending was nice and all. The blurb on the back spoke of "one of the most complex and memorable villains"... It had me thinking Shylock was gonna go for the pound of flesh even though he was gonna die for it and I kind of wish he did. It shows what a sad sack he is I guess. And damn, the Jews got a lot of shade from Shakespeare. Or at least it seemed that way while reading.
I watched the 1973 movie while reading along and I believe it increased my enjoyment a lot, considering I've never really cared for Shakespeare before.
I found myself smiling at the Portia-lottery scenes, laughing at the strangely-acted out Shylock scenes, being confused when the movie skipped lines from the book... It added up to me actually liking this play.
Antonio's a sweet dude. He sold himself away for B so he could find love and "possibly" pay Antonio back double. I thought without a doubt Antonio would get screwed over, but B really had his back which was nice to see. The Jessica and Lorenzo stuff was weird, I didn't really see a point to it. I get that Jessica, Shylock's daughter, has to run away in order for Shylock to really feel grief and want vengeance but it was just unnecessary. Also the Lancelot stuff, especially with his dad, had me so confused. Like why are you messing with your blind dad, clown? He was a poor excuse of a clown if I say so myself. The Portia stuff was interesting. Like it was cool of her to help out her man and his friend, but why feel the need to test him like that? I'm glad she didn't hold it against him. The happy ending was nice and all. The blurb on the back spoke of "one of the most complex and memorable villains"... It had me thinking Shylock was gonna go for the pound of flesh even though he was gonna die for it and I kind of wish he did. It shows what a sad sack he is I guess. And damn, the Jews got a lot of shade from Shakespeare. Or at least it seemed that way while reading.
Watched production instead
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism
All the good reviews on this play have been written and I'm afraid I have nothing original to add. This review is really only for Katie. Raging antisemitism, some humor, some bizarre legal drama, a touch of cross-dressing, and you've got a play!
I listened to the audiobook, first time doing an audiobook for Shakespeare and it was actually really enjoyable. Bill Nighy "performed" Antonio and that was delightful. He is lovely.
I listened to the audiobook, first time doing an audiobook for Shakespeare and it was actually really enjoyable. Bill Nighy "performed" Antonio and that was delightful. He is lovely.
painful & infuriating to read, especially knowing that generations of actors have portrayed shylock according to their anti-semitic stereotypes. today, the merchant of venice reads more like one of brecht's plays from 'fear and misery of the third reich' than a tale of cross-dressing justice. despite the famous line: 'hath not a jew eyes?,' i'm not so sure that shakespeare was intent on establishing - or even suggesting - that shylock is an oppressed victim.
too many plot holes disregarded in favor of a light, comedic ending. how did portia receive her final letter? what of antonio's unresolved sadness? what is jessica's reaction after the results of the trial? also, portia's turn into a vengeful villain is left mostly unexplained- perhaps it was a reaction against the sexism she's had to withstand? but if so, it would've been much more gratifying to see her come in defense of shylock.
i hated the fifth act's turn to comedy. my Final abiding hope is that shakespeare was clever enough to intend the christians' unchecked cruelty as the true deception.
too many plot holes disregarded in favor of a light, comedic ending. how did portia receive her final letter? what of antonio's unresolved sadness? what is jessica's reaction after the results of the trial? also, portia's turn into a vengeful villain is left mostly unexplained- perhaps it was a reaction against the sexism she's had to withstand? but if so, it would've been much more gratifying to see her come in defense of shylock.
i hated the fifth act's turn to comedy. my Final abiding hope is that shakespeare was clever enough to intend the christians' unchecked cruelty as the true deception.