Who Shylock is
Shylock lends money in a city where Antonio and others openly scorn him. Antonio insults him in public, spits on him, and lends without interest, reducing the rates Shylock can charge. His place in Venice brings the play's questions about money, faith and prejudice into focus.
What Shylock wants
Shylock offers the loan Bassanio needs to court Portia, with Antonio guaranteeing repayment. He asks for no interest, but the agreement carries a threat beneath its friendly language. If Antonio cannot repay on time, Shylock may take a pound of his flesh.
How Shylock changes
Shylock's anger grows when Jessica leaves his house with Lorenzo, taking money and jewels. His grief over his daughter becomes tangled with his anger about the missing wealth. When reports of Antonio's shipwrecks reach Venice, his purpose hardens toward revenge.
Shylock and the others in the story
Shylock's conflict with Antonio makes him both a threatening creditor and a target of cruelty. He points to the humanity he shares with those who insult him. The play leaves room to see him as a villain, a victim, or both.
A best-known line
“If you prick us, do we not bleed?”
Questions
Who is Shylock in The Merchant of Venice?
Shylock is the Jewish moneylender whose dangerous agreement with Antonio connects borrowing, friendship and revenge.
Why does Shylock resent Antonio?
Shylock resents Antonio's public abuse and his practice of lending money without interest. Antonio's lending reduces what Shylock can charge.
How is Jessica related to Shylock?
Jessica is Shylock's daughter. She is unhappy at home and escapes with Lorenzo, a Christian she loves.
