Queue the REM

   Religion plays a prominent role in the play, the Merchant of Venice, because it manipulates the audience’s perspective of the plot and characters and leaves much of their personalities and actions up for interpretation. Shylock, the antagonist of the play, is based upon and vilified by Jewish stereotypes that were prominent during Shakespeare’s time.  He is described as having red hair, a large nose and wearing disheveled clothing, a description that is similar to the 17^th century’s idea of the Devil. Shylock’s character varies throughout from being a greedy, vengeful villain to a compassionate victim who pleas for empathy from his Christian oppressors, “I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?”(III.i.58-60). Depending on the religious perspective, Shylock is either an anti Semitic Jewish representation who plagues a Christian society, or an exploited victim who is bittered by racism.    

   To modern day audiences, the outcomes that Shylock face as a result of Christianity’s presence make him a tragic figure. By the end of the play, Shylock has lost his daughter Jessica, who stole his money to be with a Christian man, and is forced to convert to Christianity or face the penalty of death. In the perspective of 17^th century audiences, it is possible that Christianity acts as a savior to Shylock; by the end of the play his daughter finds liberating happiness with a Christian man and his soul is saved because of his conversion. It also applies to the Christian characters such as Antonio and Bassiono, depending on the religious perspective. Simultaneously, Bassanio and Antonio are heroes overcoming a cruel villain, or the villains responsible for oppressing an entire religious affiliation. This disconnect makes communication between characters difficult because it is up for interpretation how each other’s religions affect opposing characters.