Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice

In the play The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, a money lender, has the right to take a pound of flesh from Antonio, a Merchant. Shylock was abused and not given the same rights as Christians, who thought themselves as far superior to the Jews, Shylock’s religion. Antonio had agreed to the bond which he and Shylock made, which entitled that if Antonio was not able to repay the 3 000 ducats by a certain day, then Shylock would cut off the pound of flesh. Antonio could not repay Shylock the money so Shylock, by law, must take the pound of flesh.

Shylock should be able to take the pound of flesh from Antonio because Antonio agreed to the bond, knowing whole heartedly the full agreements and arrangements of the deal. The bond stated that if Antonio did not repay the 3 thousand ducats by a certain day, then Shylock shall be able to cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh from whichever part of his body that Shylock pleased. Now Antonio, as it would seem, only agreed...