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Merchant of Venice: The role of symbolism, corrupted by shylock's…
Merchant of Venice:
The role of symbolism
Rings
3 rings
Jessica's ring
Belonged to Leah
Leah = Shylock's dead (probable) wife
the loss of the ring sets up a scene where we see Shylock uncharacteristically vulnerable and grieving
Nerissa's ring
Gratiano sets up a sex joke
Portia's ring
Reversal of gender roles
The ring test positions Portia as much more clever and capable than the men in her life
Reversal of gender roles
Gender switch
Portia as the lawyer
Portia as lady justice
Caskets
3 caskets
appearances vs. reality
Animals
Dogs
Shylock called a "Dog Jew"
Pigs
Goats
Biblical Allusions
Antonio's character
likened to Jesus
trial scene especially
sacrificing himself
shows mercy to Shylock
Scales
Pound of Flesh
"feeds" Shylock's hunger for revenge
cannibalism
Universal symbol of justice
associated in the play with Shylock
but is murder just?
Shakespeare criticises the potential immorality of the law
"lady justice"- Portia?
equality
equality between Jews & Christians
Rule of 3's
The fates
3 female characters
Symbolic of how the female characters defy gender expectations and become active agents in their own fate
The Title
Who is the "Merchant of Venice?"
Alludes to Antonio
Alludes to Shylock
Dual Settings
Venice
trade & money
realism
Belmont
upper class
love
feminine
Portia
Idealism
romance
Symbolism used to critique institutions
Symbolism used to link to themes
corrupted by shylock's intentions