English Coursework: The Merchant of Venice
The "merchant of Venice" is a multifarious play with many levels of interpretation. Telling the story of a Jewish merchant living in the predominately Christian capital of Venice, it can be seen as a play about persecution, justice and of social cruelty. The "merchant of Venice" is representatively driven by the same set arguments of racial and religious prejudice that existed in Shakespearean society.
In the 15th century, as Jews were forced out of Israel during the dispersia, many thousands migrated to countries in Europe and other continents around the world. Often met with suspicion, 15th century English literature perceives Jews as treacherous and evil, going as far as to link them with savage animals and the satanic practices of the devil.
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