First impression

lyz_chen_shiya — 2025-02-13 04:19:46 UTC

My impression of Shylock is that he is hostile towards Antonio. He was discriminated against by Antonio, a Christian, just because of his religion, and planned to get back at him through a bond. The bond was that if Antonio did not pay Shylock back the full amount on the right day, and in the right place, the penalty will be a pound of Antonio's own flesh, hinting at harming and killing him. Shylock, thought to himself, “...I hate him (Antonio) because he is a Christian… Now that he needs something from me, I can pay him back at last. He hates us Jews… I cannot forgive him!” (pg 22) The phrase ‘pay him back at last’ and the repetition of ‘hate’ suggests and emphasises that he would finally take his revenge on Antonio after years of discrimination and prejudice faced by the Christians. This illustrates Shylock’s deep sense of hatred towards him and how the idea of revenge is fully consuming Shylock. The juxtaposition of “Jews” and “Christians” displays the stark difference between the two religions. The Christians were antisemitic. Jews like Shylock hated the Christians. The Jews and Christians represent the hate and vengeance in Shylock and Antonio’s relationship, which amplifies the themes of the play — hatred, revenge, justice, and mercy. Thus, my impression of Shylock is that he is bitter and resentful towards Antonio.

Impressions of Shylock by lyz

First impression