Thursday, February 24, 2011
Merchant Text Comments
I had assigned you all the task of commenting (as you did in Macbeth) on a few lines of Act I of Merchant that caught your attention for whatever reason. I did not however give you a place to do so. Sorry. Here you are. Please consider this an assigned prompt rather than simply an invitation. Maybe by the end of the weekend is fair, since we have projects today.
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Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 116-139
ReplyDeleteUpon reading Shylock's description of his immense hatred of Antonio, I noticed the lack of interplay between emotion and business. Shylock makes it clear that he detests Antonio. He describes the many instances in which Antonio has disrespected him in the past ("You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, and spet on my Jewish gaberdine"). Emotionally, Shylock seems to want nothing less than to help Antonio, his adversary. However, business is business, so Shylock chooses to ignore his emotional disgust with Antonio in order to make the business deal. Shylock disregards his intense abhorrence of Antonio in order to profit financially from the money-lending agreement. This theme of 'business is business' echoes back again when, later in the scene (Lines 192-194), Bassanio sets aside his distrust of Shylock in order to secure the loan.
1.3.177-180
ReplyDeleteThis passage demonstrates Shakespeare’s stereotypical view of Jews as cunning and greedy businessmen. By offering to lend Antonio money without interest, but in exchange for a pound of Antonio’s flesh if he cannot make payment at the end of three months, Shylock is intentionally misleading Antonio. Shylock actions appear to Antonio and Bassanio as kind and quite “Christian-like,” but in reality, Shylock benefits tremendously from either outcome. If Antonio is able to repay the debt, Shylock does not lose his money and Antonio owes him a debt of gratitude, which Shylock would surely exploit. Shylock can take advantage of Antonio’s wealth and many connections. If Antonio is not able to repay the debt, Shylock essentially assumes the right to kill Antonio, because the origin of the “pound of flesh” is not specified. Shylock would probably not kill Antonio, as that would certainly harm Shylock’s business, but he would have considerable leverage over Antonio. For example, he could force Antonio to stop lending without interest or even remove him from the money-lending business altogether.
1.1.79-81
ReplyDeleteThese lines interested me for two reasons. First, they demonstrate Shakespeare's ideas of life being a stage and humans simply playing assigned roles, like puppets. I was glad to see this concept so early in the text, especially after seeing it in Macbeth. The second reason I liked Antonio's statement is that it seems to fit perfectly with his character and circumstance (as far as we know him). He is clearly sad, disappointed, hurt, however you may put it with his life and situation, and it is fascinating to think that this "role" is his fate, not simply a choice or phase in his life. It was quite relieving to hear Gratiano say that he would play the happy fool, as though he has a choice in the matter, contrary to how Antonio feels.
I read it a differently than Sarah. I may be wrong, but I don't think Antonio and Bassanio are being entirely earnest when they call Shylock "kind" and "Christian". At best, they think him surprisingly accommodating for a Jew. They consider usance highly immoral, so to forgo it is not exactly kindness in their eyes. It's common decency, even the avoidance of creulty. Besides, Shylock's garuntee is grotesque and malicious (what can he gain from it except revenge and schandenfreude?). Antonio accepts this deal happily only because of his absolute confidence in his ships. And he's willing to overlook Shylock's veiled threats and less veiled accusations for the opportunity to save on interest.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that in this instance, Shylock, while still portrayed as a villain, is defying the stereotype of the Jew who cares only about money. Antonio would have payed interest, and Shylock denied it just for a chance for revenge. (Of course, there's a possibility he could still find a way to make money either way, but I don't think Antonio will really feels he owes Shylock a whole lot if he returns his debt.) While Shylock's preferred method of punishment is gory, it is clearly not outside the law. Shylock is in fact doing exactly what Antonio told him to do -- "lend it rather to thine enemy / Who, if he break, thou mayst with better face / Exact the penalty."
Shylock did make very clear, in his wonderful speech (lines 1.3.116-139), that he has no reason to lend to a friend. He must have some ulterior motive. Usually, for Shylock, this is interest. For him to instead offer a harsh garuntee as his motive is unusual, and makes Antonio, (if he does indeed procure the money), rather lucky. But Shylock mocks him, calling him a friend for this favor. Antonio must know the real reasons.
1.3.159-163
ReplyDeleteThis passage where Shylock tells Antonio that he can repay him with a piece of his flesh is greatly disturbing to me. I cannot tell if Shylock is joking, is using a metaphor, or is serious! I think he is not seriously asking for his flesh, but trying to show his ferocity of intention in the face of such a bully like Antonio. To me, this passage just shows the two men trying to prove that they are better than the other man. I also think this striking comment from "the jew" is one of the examples of Shakespeare playing to that era's antisemitism. But, it also shows the complexity of Shylock's character. He is obviously a man who has been scarred and is not afraid to let his emotions out in some way.
1.2.14-21
ReplyDeleteThese lines caught my eye simply because they seem so applicable in life (though I'm not certain how they pertain to the themes of the play). It is far more difficult to follow one's own advice than it is to give it to others, and people act emotionally and irrationally far more often than they act logically (even though "the brain may devise laws for the blood"). If Portia continues in this wise, witty vein, I am certain that I will grow to love her character.
1.1.84-110
ReplyDeleteIn this passage, Gratiano tells Antonio that despite his financial worries, there is no use in becoming a reclusive, unhappy man as a result. I particularly liked Gratiano's analogy to fishing:
"But fish not with this melancholy bait
For this fool gudgeon, this opinion.-"
In this quote, he reveals the perils of allowing too much stress to consume Antonio's life. Gratiano tries to teach Antonio an important lesson here; that although Antonio has many troubles, allowing them to turn him into an unhappy person is not a healthy solution. Having watched the movie today, it seems as if this 'carpe diem' sort of outlook was popular in Venice, particularly among the younger men.
1.3, Lines 116-139
ReplyDeleteI chose these lines because I think that the (as lila said) "business is business" theme is going to be reoccurring throughout this story. Shylock obviously has no liking for Antonio, but because he has his business interests in mind he is setting aside their differences. I think that this passage shows a very human side of this story, and of Shylock because it shows how he has to suppress his pride and suck it up in order to maintain a successful business during this time period. This passage has me excited to see where Shylock and Antonio's relationship goes, and if it changes throughout the story. My favorite line of this reading was the last two lines, "You called me a 'dog'; and for these courtesies I'll lend you thus much money?" I like how powerful Shylock seems here, and how he is asserting himself, even though he has such low social standing.
1.2.14-17
ReplyDeleteI thought Portia's commentary here on what it means to teach vs. practice what you teach was very interesting and pertinent for any individual within a greater community. She subtly admits her own hypocrisy in that she can "easier teach twenty what were good to be done than to be one of the twenty to follow [her] own teaching". What is refreshing about this line is that I think while she is admitting fault, it is a struggle that many people can relate to. The idea that being 'good' is easier said than done comes to mind here, and I sense that this double standard of ideals vs actions may carry on throughout the play. I respect Portia's honesty here, and it also makes me wonder if she will learn to truly embody what she teaches or stands for later on.
1.2.12-14
ReplyDeleteThis statement by Portia caught my eye as a clue to a potential over-arching theme of the play: the ability of money and greed to destroy good people's lives. Portia is incredibly wealthy, but at the same time understands that if the world were truly just, her fortune would go to good causes and uses instead. The idea of money being used for a good cause can also be seen in Antonio finding money for Bassanio to make an attempt for Portia's love, forcing him to accept an agreement with Shylock. Basically, the connection between Portia's thoughts and the intentions with which money is sought after in this play was just something that I found interesting to look at as we read on.
1.1.137-140
ReplyDeleteAlthough Antonio's state of despair could stem from concerns about his business, he assured Salarino that that is not the origin of his foul mood because he is prudently invested. Therefore, I suspect that Antonio loves Bassanio. On a level of common sense, worrying about a business would produce stress and nervousness, not sadness. Furthermore, if it was business that Antonio was really concerned about, he wouldn't guarentee Bassanio's loan on a mere whim; he would think about whether or not it was a wise move (it isn't). Finally, Antonio not only offers Bassanio his "purse", but also his body, which is "unlocked". If nothing else, this is sexual innuendo from any modern romance novel. What's really strange about this is the fact that I believe Shakespeare is hinting at a gay character, but sexuality was far more restricted in that era. Even today, its unacceptable to be gay, and these were the days when women wore chastity belts. I can't imagine that this relationship will be stated explicitly later on in the play.
-Reckas
1.1.121-125
ReplyDeleteSo often we encounter unbelievable eloquence, prose, and lyrical poise in Shakespeares writing, and although the passage I'm citing is, in and of itself, an insult to the character Gratiano, it still has deep philosophical weight. I would like to believe that while Bassanios words take a narrow perspective, they can be applied to a broader view of reality and of the human experience. So often we find that our expectations of desirable things are more full and appealing than the actual realization of them. In my own life at least I've had this experience with pretty much every desirable thing I have come into contact with, be it a new food dish or a new piece of art. Because of this I am able to identify with this passage and with its meaning and have a laugh that this profound philosophical insight was present in an insult.
Johnny
It's inspiring to read your early reflections about Merchant. Already we have so much to talk about! Be sure to look back here at some of these thoughts as we get farther into the play. Thanks all.
ReplyDelete