We have discussed that The Merchant of Venice is an anti-Semitic play.We have also discussed that Shakespeare does not really portray his opinion or position in his plays. Instead, he makes us think about the relationship between the old order and the new order.
In this regard, Shakespeare presents 2 counterparts to be described and represented as the Christian and the Jew; Antonio and Shylock. Antonio is supposed to be the faithful representation of the Christian values such as compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, and willingness to give up his life for the well being of the other, following Jesus' example. And Antonio seems to portray those values, especially when dealing with Bassanios' wishes. He is a good person, willing to put his life in danger for Bassanio.
In this regard, Shakespeare presents 2 counterparts to be described and represented as the Christian and the Jew; Antonio and Shylock. Antonio is supposed to be the faithful representation of the Christian values such as compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, and willingness to give up his life for the well being of the other, following Jesus' example. And Antonio seems to portray those values, especially when dealing with Bassanios' wishes. He is a good person, willing to put his life in danger for Bassanio.
However, he abuses Shylock, the Jew, verbally and psychologically, hating him and his usury. And this is the important and paradoxical point. Some passages of the play make me think that the way Antonio reacts and thinks doesn't make him look so Christian as supposed. For instance, in Act 1-scene 3, when Bassanio looks for Shylock to lend him money on behalf of Antonio, it is clear that Antonio is not willing to apologize for all the times he called Shylock a dog and spitted on his face:
(You can watch the video - from 5:09 - 6:27)
To spit on thee again, to spurn thee, too"
These lines make me wonder where the Christian compassion and forgiveness are portrayed. Not to mention the resolution of the trial when Antonio's "mercy" was to make Shylock a Christian--convert him into Shylock's most hated nightmare. Antonio is expected to react with compassion, as he needed Shylock, but instead, he couldn't demonstrate a bit of the Christian values and character. Furthermore, I think this could be interpreted as his own revenge, being easily confused with justice.
So I wonder, what is Shakespeare exactly trying to tell us about being Christian? Does the true Christian really exist? Can a person be a Christian while keeping hatred for someone that is not?
Very interesting point, Lore. This issue calls my attention since I believe that true Christians don’t exist. Nowadays, as we are all sinners, our mind is focused on “earthly things” such as money, greed, pride, envy, lust, etc. It is easier to fall into temptation than doing the right things. I think that the real Christian has to follow Jesus’ path and read constantly the bible as a model for life; a real Christian has to respect every human being no matter race, social status, etc. In fact, the most fundamental and important teaching that Jesus Christ gave Christians was:"Love your neighbor as yourself.” That means to love everybody of any kind. So, according to that, Antonio is not a real Christian since he feels superior to Jews and shows constant hatred and contempt for Jews, and a real one shouldn’t be like that. And I think that Shakespeare here is trying to portray the hypocrisy of Christianity – they preach to be Jesus’ followers and disciples– they say but don’t do, they do not practice what they preach.
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