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thepetaldimension 's review for:
The Merchant of Venice
by William Shakespeare
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.