The Complexity of Shylock as a Character

Though his intentions are deplorable, and his role as the villain is clear, Shylock is also in some ways a sympathetic character and a victim of his circumstance. As an antagonist, Shylock's most apparent characteristic is his cruelty towards his enemies. He is obsessed with securing the pound of flesh owed to him by Antonio and he later wishes death upon his own daughter for robbing and abandoning him, exclaiming "I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear!"(III.i.87-88). Shylock, however, is not simply villainous. He presents motivations and justifications for the his behavior, which are strongly tied to his religion. As a Jew, Shylock is a victim of many injustices delivered by the Christians of Venice. In particular Antonio harassed and ridiculed him for the his money lending habits, and Lorenzo ran off with his money and his daughter. His situation appears sympathetic as he asks why, as a Jew, that is not seen as equal to a Christian: "Hath not a Jew eyes? hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?"(III.i.57-59). Shylock considers the cruelty of his actions as equal to those inflicted upon him, saying, "The villainy you teach me I will execute,"(III.i.70-71). He feels perfectly justified in treating a Christian with as much contempt as a Christian would treat a Jew.