Where are specific instances of anti-semitism in Shakespeares “The Merchant of Venice”?
robertwilliam eNotes Editor There are not, actually, that many instances of anti-semitism depicted by the play itself (in fact, unless you count calling Shylock “Jew” – of which there are several instances – it’s difficult to think of a specific anti-semitic action that a character undertakes). More usually a character describes something anti-semitic that has happened before. So, Shylock, in Act 1, Scene 3, repeatedly says that Antonio has spat upon him: You call me,—misbeliever, cut-throat dog, And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine, And all for use of that which is mine own. And here’s Shylock in Act 3, Scene 1 arguing to Salerio and Solanio that Antonio treats him consistently in a racist way: He hath disgraced me, and hindered me half a million; laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies; and what’s his reason? I am a Jew. There are lots of other, similar examples. But the key point here is that Shakespeare
