THE play, Merchant of Venice, written by William Shakespeare consists of strong themes such as greed and generosity. This idea of greed and generosity can be carried into thoughts of todays society, relating to the thoughts of Christmas for children.
With Shylock being such a key character in the portrayal of the themes of greed there are obviously multiple occasions of his selfishness. Another example of this greediness is after his daughter, Jessica, stole some of his jewels and riches to go run away with Lorenzo. When Shylock notices they are missing he realises this because of the disappearance of the jewels rather than his daughter. He then goes on to complain about how his riches are gone. He then says, “Out upon her! Thou torturest me, Tubal. It was my turquoise! I had it of Leah when I was a bachelor. I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys.” (III,I,XIV)
Generosity is evident through the acts of Antonio. Antonio lends money to Bassanio even though, Bassanio is known for never paying anyone back. Antonio’s ships are away with all his riches and yet he still lends the money to him without costing any interest. Nerrisa later in the play says, “They are as sick that surfeit with too much, as they starve with nothing.” (I,II)
Generosity can be seen in the givers at Christmas time. Many of us recognise that Christmas is not just about presents but there are also some people that take action. Many people donate to the less fortunate to give back to society.
In conclusion, Shakespeare wrote a beautiful play that has many generations to effect and contribute his insights on the attitudes towards problems in his, ours and future societies to come.
In Shakespeare’s play, he strongly represents the theme of greed through the character of Shylock. Shylock expressed his greediness through his selfish actions when making his deal with Antonio. When Antonio’s ships were late to arrive Shylock insisted to receive his pound of flesh rather than accepting offers of three times the value of his original offer. During the play Shylock says, “I’ll have my bond. Speak not against my bond. I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond.” (III,III,V-VI).
Greed can be found today in the ideas of Christmas time. Whilst child’s minds are innocent and they mean no harm, children can become extremely greedy with presents on the line. When all their children want is one gift for Christmas parents become extremely greedy as well to make sure they have whatever their child desires and it is in the best condition possible.
In Shakespeare’s play, he strongly represents the theme of greed through the character of Shylock. Shylock expressed his greediness through his selfish actions when making his deal with Antonio. When Antonio’s ships were late to arrive Shylock insisted to receive his pound of flesh rather than accepting offers of three times the value of his original offer. During the play Shylock says, “I’ll have my bond. Speak not against my bond. I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond.” (III,III,V-VI). Greed can be found today in the ideas of Christmas time.
Whilst child’s minds are innocent and they mean no harm, children can become extremely greedy with presents on the line. When all their children want is one gift for Christmas parents become extremely greedy as well to make sure they have whatever their child desires and it is in the best condition possible.
“In my school days when I had lost one shaft, I shot his fellow of the self-same flight the self-same way, with more advised watch, to find the other forth; and by adventuring both, I oft found both.” – Bassanio (I,I)