Questions for guided reading, discussion and written analysis.
Discussion Questions
- How does Shakespeare present Shylock as both a victim and a villain? Can he be both?
- Portia argues passionately for mercy but the Christians show Shylock very little mercy at the end. Is this a contradiction?
- The play has been read as antisemitic and as a critique of antisemitism. Which reading do you find more convincing?
- How does the casket test comment on the theme of appearance versus reality?
- "Hath not a Jew eyes?" — analyse this speech. What does Shakespeare achieve with it?
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