'The Merchant of Venice' is a play set in Italy in the late 16th century, written by William Shakespeare. One of the main characters of the play is a cunning Jewish loan shark named Shylock. Shylock is part of a race that has been discriminated against, despised and hated because of his religion. At the beginning of the play Shylock forms a disturbing bond with a well-known, good and generous man named Antonio. Shylock has always had a grudge against Antonio because he trusts him; he lends money interest-free, taking away Shylock's business. He is also Christian. We know that we can never trust that Shylock has any feeling of consideration towards Antonio, when he says, "If I can catch him once in the flank, I will nourish the old grudge I bear against him." However, Antonio promises to pay. Shylock will borrow the money, otherwise he will allow Shylock to take a pound of his flesh in case the loan is not repaid. Antonio morally disapproves of lending money at interest and it is a sign of his affection for his friend Bassanio that he now breaks his own rule. Bassanio has already spent his fortune and would like to restore it by marrying the woman he claims to love. Shylock justifies Antonio's decision by telling him the story of Jacob from the Old Testament; however, in doing so, he distorts the words of the Bible to match his ideas. Anthony responds, “The devil can quote the Scriptures for his own purposes.” Before leaving for Belmont, Bassanio extravagantly decides to throw a big party. Shylock, driven by malice and hatred, goes to the banquet, not to enjoy the party but to consume the wonderful meal bought with Bassanio's money; he is determined to do everything he can to ruin it. Shylock's servant, the comedian Lancelot Gobbo, shows his dislike for...... middle of paper......and with this touching speech. Shylock is blind to everything except the terms of his bond; his insistence on the rigorous path of justice takes no account of anything approaching compassion or mercy. This ultimately proves to be his undoing. However, it is difficult to rejoice in Antonio's victory. After the court scene, Shylock is devastated; Portia not only frees Antonio from his bond, but strips Shylock of both his religion and his livelihood. Shylock is a disturbing character; his heartfelt speeches make it difficult for me to label him as a natural villain, on the other hand Shylock's cold attempt at revenge by killing his persecutor, Antonio, prevents me from seeing him in a positive light. For a few moments, Shakespeare gives us glimpses of an unmistakably human Shylock, but he also often turns me against him, painting him as a cruel and bitter figure..