Religious Conflict

In The Merchant of Venice, much of the conflict between Shylock and the rest of the characters can be described as a conflict of religion. Shylock says that Antonio "rails, Even there where merchants most do congregate, On me, my bargains and my well-won thrift, Which he calls interest,"(I.iii.48-51). The abuse that Shylock suffers from Antonio is based largely on the immorality of colleting interest in Christian religion. the fact that his religion allows for such behavior makes his character more unlikable and villainous from a Christian perspective. Shylock also condemns himself by refusing to adhere to follow the Christian ideal of mercy. When Portia is at Antonio's trial she says to Shylock, "earthly power doth then show likest God's, When mercy seasons justice," (IV.i.201-203). Having defeated his enemy, they expect him to follow their more modern and forgiving and spare Antonio's life, as the duke will later spare his. Shylock uses his religions as a way to justify his actions or his good fortune against others. Such as when he refers to the story of Jacob and the lambs to justify taking interest or exclaims, "I thank God, I thank God. Is't true, is't true?" (III.i.102), upon finding out that Antonio will not be able to pay his debt.