Development of Readers Feeling for Shylock Throughout...

Development of Readers Feeling for Shylock Throughout William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice Shylocks first entrance into the Merchant of Venice leaves you with no definite feelings for him. He does not immediately stand out as an enthralling character although neither does he strike you as a selfish person driven by money. Although at this point in the play I believe an audience in Shakespeares time would have been forced to show dislike towards Shylock just because Shylock is a Jew. In Shakespeares time Jews were seen as outcasts because the large majority of Britains population in 15th century were Christians. Today the majority of the people who watch or read the play will be less†¦show more content†¦Maybe at this point in the play Shylock would still have had no sympathy from the audience of the15th Century, Bassino would be earning greater respect because of the way he despises Jews. Shylock then later presents his proposition, he offers Antonio the 3000 ducats that Antonio has specified he would like to borrow. On the condition that Antonio pays him back the money within three months but if Antonio fails to reach the deadline then Shylock Be nominated, for an equal pound of Antonios fair flesh. Antonio is confident that he will receive the bonds worth within two months at the value of thrice three times the value of the bond. Antonios money is invested in ships that import goods from foreign countries. The Shakespearean audience at this point would be oblivious to the catastrophe that is about to encounter Antonio because he has three ships out a sea and they are expected to return. The audience would be confident that nothing unpleasant could happen to Antonio as he is a Christian and was helping out a friend by borrowing the money. I believe the audiences in Shakespeares time were waiting for Shylocks plan to backfire on himself. Perhaps the audience at thi s point would be concentrating on making a mockery of Shylock. Possibly a Shakespearean audience would be more naà ¯ve compared to a 21st Century audience