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The most important themes in The Merchant of Venice relate to prejudice, justice, and mercy. These are the themes most likely to appear in GCSE exam questions. This lesson explores each in detail with key quotations and analytical points.
Anti-Semitism is at the heart of the play. Shakespeare presents a world in which Jews are systematically persecuted, and then asks his audience to consider whether this is just.
| Character | Evidence of Prejudice |
|---|---|
| Antonio | Spits on Shylock, calls him "dog," "devil," and "misbeliever" |
| Gratiano | Calls Shylock an "inexecrable dog" and a "currish spirit" in the trial |
| Portia | "Let all of his complexion choose me so" — racist comment about Morocco |
| The Duke | Calls Shylock "an inhuman wretch" before the trial has even begun |
| Solanio/Salerio | Mock Shylock's grief after Jessica's elopement |
Shylock's "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech (3.1) is the play's most powerful challenge to prejudice:
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