Themes Flashcards
Different interpretations of Justice
Catholic characters see that they can buy Antonio’s life . They do not see how deeply rooted Shylock wants Antonio to be killed.
Shylock exclaims”The villainy you teach me I shall execute”
He wants to teach them a lesson and to show them of their wrong doings .
Switching Justice
At first Antonio tells them that “no power in Venice” can alter his fate. This leads the audience to truly believing that the man will die .
Yet Portia saves the day. “Let mercy drop like gentle rain from heaven”
Shylocks punishment
The harsh punishment that he received causes the Audience to question the good nature of the protagonists .
Shakespeare highlights how deeply rooted Anti Semitic behaviour is in Society
Love is extremely important for some characters
Portia does not want someone who simply wants her for her wealth
Lorenzo marries Loves Jessica despite it being frowned upon as she was Jewish
Courtly loves seem false
“Richly left”
It appears Bassanio sees Portia as a payday.
To win Portia he exaggerates what love does to him
“Upon the rack”
Appearance
Shakespeare throughout the play subverts expectations . Many characters do things that appear to be out of characters .
The loving and caring Antonio is Anti semetic
Bassanio does appear to love Portia however uses Antonio’s money to project a wealthier person than he actually is .
Portia appears to be independent but allows Bassanio to become the dominance in their relationship . She calls him “lord” and “king”
Casket meanings
“All that glitters is not gold”-despite the beautiful appearance of the casket it ks the wrong choice
“Shadow bliss”-gives a person their own reflection suggesting that all they care about is their appearance
“Choose as true”-despite being the least desirable of the 3 caskets judging something not by it’s appearance but by it’s true value
Money is the driving force
The debt of 3000 ducats leads to the suspenseful court scene
Bassanio sees Portia as “richly left
Portias suitors come from the “four corners of the earth” showing you how much they desire her fortune
Bassanio needs his win in the casket test to be ‘signed’ and “ratified”. Shakespeare portrays it as a business transaction
