The Merchant Of Venice: Context Flashcards
1
Q
Prejudice
A
Jews banned in england from 1290 until mid 1500s
Jews as useres- lending money with high intrest
Homogenity of shylock converting
Prevelant belief that Jews cause harm
Shylock is less streotypical and more typical of beliefs at time
2
Q
Love and friendship
A
Platonic, passionate friendship between men was normal
Woman had no say in marriage
Venetian culture- paternal authority was high
If left or did smth- would be exiled or locked up
3
Q
Power and wealth
A
City driven by trade and commerce
Founded on buisness, legal and finnacial matters
Lending money with intrest was against catholic beliefs- tradionally Jewish
Shylock uses usary as his finanicial stability
