SHYLOCK: Three thousand ducats, well.
Explanation:
Shylock repeats the amount of money – 3,000 ducats – and says “well,” which shows he’s thinking about the offer.
Analysis & Technique:
Repetition and the pause “well” show he’s calculating and weighing the risk.
Theme: Money and risk.
BASSANIO: Ay, sir, for three months.
Explanation:
Yes, sir, the loan is needed for three months.
SHYLOCK: For three months, well.
Explanation:
He repeats again, considering the term of the loan.
Analysis:
Again, repetition and pausing show his cautious, deliberate nature.
Theme: Business vs. friendship.
BASSANIO: For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall be bound.
Explanation:
As I said, Antonio will guarantee the loan (be the one responsible).
SHYLOCK: Antonio shall become bound, well.
Explanation:
Shylock repeats, confirming the bond.
Language Technique:
His repetition mimics a businessman’s tone—formal, detached.
Theme: Bonds and contracts.
BASSANIO: May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Shall I know your answer?
Explanation:
Can you help me? Will you do me a favor? What’s your answer?
Analysis:
Bassanio asks politely, even humbly.
Theme: Pleading vs. power.
SHYLOCK: Three thousand ducats for three months, and Antonio bound.
Explanation:
He repeats the terms again, showing he’s still thinking carefully.
BASSANIO: Your answer to that?
Explanation:
So, what’s your decision?
SHYLOCK: Antonio is a good man.
Explanation:
He says Antonio is reliable – but he’s being a bit sly.
Analysis:
Double meaning: “good” as in morally good or financially sound? He means financially.
BASSANIO: Have you heard any imputation to the contrary?
Explanation:
Have you heard anything bad about him?
SHYLOCK: Ho, no, no, no, no! My meaning in saying he is a good man is to have you understand me that he is sufficient.
Explanation:
No, no! I meant that he has enough money – not that he’s morally good.
Language Technique:
Irony – He’s mocking the idea of goodness in a moral sense.
SHYLOCK: Yet his means are in supposition… he hath an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies…
Explanation:
But his wealth depends on ships that are still at sea—he has ships going to different parts of the world.
Analysis:
Shylock lists places to show Antonio’s wealth is uncertain.
Language Technique:
Imagery – of faraway places and risky ventures.
Theme: Risk and uncertainty.
SHYLOCK: Ships are but boards, sailors but men; there be land rats and water rats… pirates…
Explanation:
Ships are just wood, sailors are just men. There are rats and thieves on land and sea – I mean pirates.
Analysis:
He lists dangers to suggest Antonio’s investments are risky.
Language Technique:
Metaphor – comparing pirates to rats.
Theme: Risk, danger, and mistrust.
SHYLOCK: The man is, notwithstanding, sufficient. Three thousand ducats. I think I may take his bond.
Explanation:
Despite the risks, Antonio has enough. I think I can trust his bond.
BASSANIO: Be assured you may.
Explanation:
You can be sure of it.
SHYLOCK: I will be assured I may. And that I may be assured, I will bethink me. May I speak with Antonio?
Explanation:
I’ll make sure. Let me think about it. Can I talk to Antonio?
Language Technique:
Formal, legal-sounding speech shows Shylock’s businesslike approach.
BASSANIO: If it please you to dine with us.
Explanation:
You can talk to him if you’ll join us for dinner.
SHYLOCK: Yes, to smell pork! To eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into!
Explanation:
What, eat pork? The animal your prophet (Jesus) drove demons into? No thanks!
Analysis:
Shylock sarcastically mocks Christian beliefs.
Language Technique:
Allusion – refers to the biblical story where Jesus sends demons into pigs.
Theme: Religion and prejudice.
SHYLOCK: I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you… but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you.
Explanation:
I’ll do business with you—but I won’t share meals or religion.
Analysis:
Shows the division between Jews and Christians.
Language Technique:
Parallel structure – emphasizes differences.
SHYLOCK: —What news on the Rialto?—Who is he comes here?
Explanation:
What’s the latest news at the marketplace? Who is that coming?
➤ Enter ANTONIO
The scene now sets the stage for the bond conversation. Shylock sees Antonio and prepares for the main discussion.
BASSANIO: “This is Signior Antonio.”
Explanation: Bassanio introduces Antonio to Shylock.
Analysis: This line opens the dialogue between two characters who hold deep hostility toward one another. Bassanio’s tone is neutral, but the underlying tensions will soon surface.
Themes: Friendship, Business, Social Tensions
SHYLOCK (aside): “How like a fawning publican he looks!”
Explanation: Shylock compares Antonio to a flattering tax collector.
Language Technique: Simile – “like a fawning publican” is meant to insult Antonio, suggesting he’s hypocritical and fake.
Analysis: Though Antonio appears respectable, Shylock sees through what he believes is a false exterior. The use of “publican” adds a biblical undertone — tax collectors were often hated.
Themes: Hypocrisy, Prejudice, Public vs Private Identity
“I hate him for he is a Christian,”
Explanation: Shylock openly admits his religious hatred.
Language: Blunt and direct. There is no subtlety in his expression of disdain.
Analysis: This sets the tone for the religious conflict. Shylock’s feelings go beyond business; they are rooted in deep-seated enmity and cultural resentment.
Themes: Religious Intolerance, Identity, Division
“But more for that in low simplicity / He lends out money gratis and brings down / The rate of usance here with us in Venice.”
Explanation: Shylock resents Antonio for lending money without interest, as it reduces profits for moneylenders like him.
Language Technique: Economic diction – “rate of usance,” “gratis,” and “simplicity” highlight Shylock’s business-minded reasoning.
Analysis: Shylock’s frustration is not just personal but also economic. He believes Antonio’s actions undermine legitimate business.
Themes: Business Ethics, Competition, Capitalism
“If I can catch him once upon the hip, / I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.”
Explanation: Shylock says he wants revenge and is waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Language Technique: Metaphor – “upon the hip” implies seizing someone with power; “feed fat” symbolizes satisfying a long-standing hatred.
Analysis: This reveals the depth of Shylock’s desire for revenge. The word “ancient” suggests this grudge isn’t only personal but historical and cultural.
Themes: Revenge, Justice, Long-held Hatred
“He hates our sacred nation, and he rails, / Even there where merchants most do congregate,”
Explanation: Antonio criticizes Jews, even in public places.
Language Technique: Alliteration – “merchants most” emphasizes the public nature of Antonio’s ridicule.
Analysis: Shylock feels publicly shamed and persecuted. The mention of “sacred nation” reflects his pride in his Jewish identity.
Themes: Anti-Semitism, Public Humiliation, Cultural Pride
“On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift, / Which he calls ‘interest.’”
Explanation: Shylock says Antonio mocks his honest earnings by labeling it as greed.
Language Technique: Irony – what Shylock sees as “well-won thrift,” Antonio condemns.
Analysis: This demonstrates the ideological conflict: Christians associate interest with sin, while Shylock views it as fair business.
Themes: Morality and Money, Perspective, Misjudgment
“Cursed be my tribe / If I forgive him!”
Explanation: Shylock swears by his community that he won’t forgive Antonio.
Language: Oath – using the idea of cursing himself adds seriousness.
Analysis: He binds his personal vendetta to his religious and ethnic identity, framing forgiveness as betrayal.
Themes: Vengeance, Loyalty, Cultural Identity
BASSANIO: “Shylock, do you hear?”
Explanation: Bassanio interrupts Shylock’s intense inner thoughts to return to the business matter.
Analysis: Shows that while Bassanio sees this as a practical exchange, Shylock sees it as an emotional and ideological battleground.
Themes: Business vs Emotion, Misunderstanding, Different Worlds
SHYLOCK: “I am debating of my present store, / And, by the near guess of my memory, / I cannot instantly raise up the gross / Of full three thousand ducats. What of that?”
Explanation: Shylock claims he doesn’t immediately have the money, but implies it’s not a problem.
Language: Formal business tone, reflective and calculating.
Analysis: This could be a tactic to appear thoughtful and delay the decision. He’s playing the part of a careful businessman.
Themes: Strategy, Money and Power, Appearances
“Tubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe, / Will furnish me.”
Explanation: Shylock says his associate Tubal can provide the money.
Language Technique: Reference to community and shared identity.
Analysis: Suggests that Shylock is part of a broader network. His mention of Tubal reinforces the strength of his cultural and financial support system.
Themes: Solidarity, Resourcefulness, Ethnic Pride
“But soft, how many months / Do you desire?”
Explanation: Shylock shifts to the terms of the loan.
Language: Polite, formal tone.
Analysis: Now that he’s considered logistics, he transitions into negotiation, maintaining his control of the conversation.
Themes: Power in Negotiation, Calculated Business
(To Antonio): “Rest you fair, good signior! / Your Worship was the last man in our mouths.”
Explanation: Shylock now greets Antonio respectfully, saying people were just talking about him.
Language Technique: Irony – earlier he cursed Antonio, now he pretends admiration.
Analysis: This contrast highlights the theme of appearance versus reality. Shylock masks his hatred behind a show of politeness.
Themes: Deception, Social Masks, Public Performance
ANTONIO:
“Shylock, albeit I neither lend nor borrow / By taking nor by giving of excess, / Yet, to supply the ripe wants of my friend, / I’ll break a custom.”
Explanation: Antonio says he normally doesn’t deal with interest, but will make an exception to help Bassanio.
Language: Formal and noble phrasing.
Analysis: Shows Antonio’s willingness to sacrifice his principles for friendship. However, the words “break a custom” foreshadow potential danger.
Themes: Friendship, Sacrifice, Honor vs Risk
(To Bassanio): “Is he yet possessed / How much you would?”
Explanation: Antonio asks if Shylock knows the amount needed.
Analysis: He keeps the conversation practical, unaware of Shylock’s inner grudge.
SHYLOCK: “Ay, ay, three thousand ducats.”
Explanation: Shylock confirms the loan amount.
ANTONIO: “And for three months.”
Explanation: Antonio confirms the repayment term.
SHYLOCK:
“I had forgot—three months. To Bassanio. / You told me so.— / Well then, your bond. And let me see—but hear you: / Methoughts you said you neither lend nor borrow / Upon advantage.”
Explanation: Shylock pretends to forget, then brings up Antonio’s past claims about not charging interest.
Language Technique: Verbal irony – he reminds Antonio of his own moral superiority to subtly mock him.
Analysis: Shylock is laying the trap by using Antonio’s pride against him. He begins crafting the conditions that will later lead to the infamous bond.
Themes: Manipulation, Pride, Moral Dilemma
ANTONIO: “I do never use it.”
Explanation: Antonio reaffirms that he doesn’t lend or borrow with interest.
Analysis: Reinforces Antonio’s moral values, which he believes are above business practices. This self-righteousness will be challenged later.
Themes: Honor, Ethics, Conflict Between Principles
SHYLOCK: “When Jacob grazed his Uncle Laban’s sheep— / This Jacob from our holy Abram was—”
Explanation: Shylock begins telling a biblical story to justify his belief in earning profit.
Language Technique: Allusion – referring to religious stories to strengthen his argument.
Analysis: Shylock is connecting profit and divine blessing. He challenges the idea that interest is immoral by pointing to scripture.
Themes: Religion and Morality, Justification, Interpretation of Faith
SHYLOCK:
“—(As his wise mother wrought in his behalf) / The third possessor; ay, he was the third—”
Explanation: Shylock refers to Jacob (from the Bible), saying he was the third to inherit God’s blessing, helped by his clever mother (Rebekah).
Language Technique: Biblical allusion – Shylock invokes religious authority to justify profit-making.
Analysis: He’s laying the groundwork for an argument: Jacob was smart and prospered, so Shylock, too, can prosper wisely.
Themes: Religion and Profit, Justification, Wisdom and Inheritance
ANTONIO:
“And what of him? Did he take interest?”
Explanation: Antonio challenges Shylock, asking if Jacob charged interest like a moneylender.
Tone: Confrontational and skeptical.
Themes: Ethical Business Practices, Moral Superiority
SHYLOCK:
“No, not take interest, not, as you would say, / Directly ‘interest.’ Mark what Jacob did.”
Explanation: Shylock admits Jacob didn’t charge interest directly but implies he still made profit cleverly.
Language Technique: Evasive tone – avoids saying “yes” or “no” outright.
Analysis: He shifts the argument from straightforward interest to creative gain, blurring the line between moral and immoral profit.
Themes: Gray Morality, Religious Interpretation, Cunning vs Ethics
Story of Jacob and Laban (lines below):
“When Laban and himself were compromised / That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied / Should fall as Jacob’s hire…”
Explanation: Jacob agrees to take only the oddly-colored lambs as payment, trusting in his skill and God’s favor.
“…The ewes being rank / In end of autumn turnèd to the rams, / And when the work of generation was / Between these woolly breeders in the act…”
Explanation: During mating season, Jacob used a trick to influence the birth of streaked or spotted lambs.
“The skillful shepherd pilled me certain wands…”
Language Technique: Imagery – the act of peeling branches and placing them before mating animals is vividly described.
“Who then conceiving did in eaning time / Fall parti-colored lambs, and those were Jacob’s.”
Explanation: Jacob’s plan worked – he gained wealth through the birth of these lambs.
Analysis: Shylock uses this tale to show that smart thinking and divine favor can bring wealth.
Themes: Providence vs Strategy, Wealth and Morality, Biblical Justification
Shylock’s Point:
“This was a way to thrive, and he was blest; / And thrift is blessing if men steal it not.”
Explanation: If you gain wealth honestly (not by theft), it is a blessing.
Language: Aphorism – sounds like a proverb, giving authority to his view.
Themes: Thrift, Morality, Blessings and Business
ANTONIO:
“This was a venture, sir, that Jacob served for, / A thing not in his power to bring to pass…”
Explanation: Antonio says Jacob’s success was not due to trickery, but divine will.
“Was this inserted to make interest good? / Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams?”
Explanation: Antonio mocks Shylock – he says Shylock can’t compare money to livestock.
Language Technique: Rhetorical questions – used to ridicule and dismiss Shylock’s analogy.
Analysis: Antonio draws a moral boundary: divine blessing is not the same as interest-charging.
Themes: Divine Providence vs Human Greed, Mockery, Clash of Values
SHYLOCK:
“I cannot tell; I make it breed as fast.”
Explanation: Shylock responds cynically, saying his money breeds profit just like sheep breed lambs.
Language: Metaphor – money as livestock.
Analysis: Shylock implies profit is profit, no matter the method. He rejects the moral line Antonio draws.
Themes: Capitalism, Efficiency, Cold Logic
SHYLOCK:
“But note me, signior—”
Explanation: He tries to return to his argument, asking Antonio to listen carefully.
ANTONIO (aside to Bassanio):
“Mark you this, Bassanio, / The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose!”
Explanation: Antonio warns Bassanio that even evil people can use holy texts to justify bad actions.
Language Technique: Metaphor – calling Shylock the “devil” who manipulates scripture.
“An evil soul producing holy witness / Is like a villain with a smiling cheek…”
Explanation: Someone bad quoting the Bible is like a smiling villain – looks innocent but is dangerous.
“A goodly apple rotten at the heart.”
Explanation: Looks good outside, but is bad inside.
Language Techniques:
- Simile – “like a villain with a smiling cheek”
- Metaphor – “a goodly apple rotten at the heart”
- Imagery – visualizes the contrast between appearance and reality
Themes:
- Deception and Appearance
- Religious Hypocrisy
- Moral Judgment
- Prejudice (Antonio’s harsh view of Shylock)
SHYLOCK
“Three thousand ducats. ’Tis a good round sum. / Three months from twelve, then let me see, the rate—”
Explanation: Shylock repeats the loan amount, calling it a good (large and complete) sum. He starts to calculate the interest.
Language Technique:
- Repetition – Emphasizes the money and business nature of the deal.
- Pause/ellipsis (implied) – Shows calculation, precision.
Themes: Business, Profit, Calculation
ANTONIO
“Well, Shylock, shall we be beholding to you?”
Explanation: Antonio asks sarcastically if they must be “indebted” or grateful to Shylock.
Tone: Dismissive and proud
Themes: Pride, Power Dynamics, Tension
SHYLOCK
“Signior Antonio, many a time and oft / In the Rialto you have rated me / About my moneys and my usances.”
Explanation: Shylock says Antonio has insulted him many times in the Rialto (the Venetian marketplace) over his moneylending and interest-charging.
Language Technique:
- Formal Address – “Signior Antonio” adds irony, as Shylock is not being respectful.
- Repetition (“many a time and oft”) – Emphasizes Antonio’s repeated abuse.
- Diction (“usances”) – An old word for interest, giving a business-like tone.
Themes: Prejudice, Financial Ethics, Public Shame
“Still have I borne it with a patient shrug / (For suff’rance is the badge of all our tribe).”
Explanation: Shylock says he has endured the insults patiently, as suffering is part of being Jewish.
Language Technique:
- Metaphor – “Badge of all our tribe” suggests suffering is part of Jewish identity.
- Irony – Shylock pretends patience, but clearly holds resentment.
Themes: Religious Persecution, Injustice, Identity
“You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, / And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine…”
Explanation: Antonio has insulted Shylock’s religion and clothing and has even spat on him.
Language Technique:
- Vivid Imagery – “spet on my Jewish gaberdine” paints a humiliating picture.
- Asyndeton – List of insults adds to intensity and emotional buildup.
Themes: Anti-Semitism, Humiliation, Religious Discrimination
“And all for use of that which is mine own.”
Explanation: Shylock says he was abused simply for charging interest on his own money.
Theme: Property Rights, Unfair Judgment
“Well then, it now appears you need my help.”
Explanation: He points out the irony—Antonio now needs help from the man he abused.
Theme: Power Shift, Revenge
“Go to, then. You come to me and you say / ‘Shylock, we would have moneys’”
Explanation: Shylock mimics how Antonio comes to him, acting like nothing happened.
Tone: Sarcastic, Mocking
“You, that did void your rheum upon my beard…”
Explanation: Antonio spat on Shylock’s beard—a sign of deep disrespect.
Language:
- Graphic Detail – “void your rheum” is deliberately disgusting.
- Animal Imagery – “cur” = stray dog. Antonio treated him as less than human.
“What should I say to you? Should I not say / ‘Hath a dog money? Is it possible / A cur can lend three thousand ducats?’”
Explanation: Shylock questions how someone treated like a dog can now be expected to lend money.
Language Technique:
- Rhetorical Questions – Challenges hypocrisy.
- Animal Metaphor – Reinforces inhuman treatment.
Themes: Dignity, Power Reversal, Humiliation
“Or / Shall I bend low, and in a bondman’s key, / With bated breath and whisp’ring humbleness…”
Explanation: He mocks the idea of acting submissive to someone who disrespects him.
Language:
- Alliteration – “bated breath… bondman’s key” = mock humility
- Sarcasm – He’s not being humble; he’s angry.
“Say this: ‘Fair sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last; / You spurned me such a day… And for these courtesies / I’ll lend you thus much moneys’?”
Explanation: Shylock imagines sarcastically thanking Antonio for his abuse and still offering the money.
Theme: Irony, Dignity vs Submission
ANTONIO
“I am as like to call thee so again, / To spet on thee again, to spurn thee, too.”
Explanation: Antonio doubles down—he says he will insult and mistreat Shylock again if given the chance.
Tone: Proud, Cold, Unapologetic
Analysis:
- Antonio shows no remorse.
- Confirms Shylock’s hatred and need for revenge.
Theme: Pride, Prejudice, Refusal to Change
“If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not / As to thy friends…”
Explanation: Antonio tells Shylock not to pretend they’re friends if he gives the money.
Theme: Honesty vs Hypocrisy, No Illusions of Kindness
ANTONIO
“A breed for barren metal of his friend? / But lend it rather to thine enemy…”
Explanation: Antonio says it’s unnatural to profit (breed) from metal (money), especially for a friend. He argues that Shylock should lend to an enemy, since charging interest or a penalty would then be more reasonable.
Themes:
- Christian vs Jewish views on usury: Christians believed lending with interest was morally wrong.
- Irony: Antonio’s suggestion plants the seed for Shylock’s revenge.
“Who, if he break, thou mayst with better face / Exact the penalty.”
Explanation: Antonio says that if an enemy fails to repay, it’s more acceptable to exact punishment.
Analysis: This comment gives Shylock the justification for his infamous “pound of flesh” condition.
SHYLOCK
“Why, look you how you storm!”
Explanation: Shylock mocks Antonio’s intensity, acting surprised at his emotional tone.
“I would be friends with you and have your love, / Forget the shames that you have stained me with…”
Explanation: Shylock pretends he wants peace, offering to forgive past insults.
Tone: Ironic and manipulative – Shylock knows Antonio doesn’t truly want friendship.
“Supply your present wants, and take no doit / Of usance for my moneys, and you’ll not hear me!”
Explanation: Shylock says he won’t even charge a penny (a “doit”) in interest. He’s offended Antonio still distrusts him.
“This is kind I offer.”
Explanation: He claims this is generosity—not malice.
Theme: Deceptive Kindness – He masks his revenge as a jest.
BASSANIO
“This were kindness!”
Explanation: Bassanio is skeptical, noting how odd it is to call this kindness.
SHYLOCK
“This kindness will I show. / Go with me to a notary, seal me there / Your single bond…”
Explanation: Shylock agrees to lend the money on one condition: Antonio must sign a formal bond.
“And in a merry sport…”
Explanation: He says this next part is just a joke or playful suggestion—”merry sport.”
“If you repay me not… let the forfeit / Be nominated for an equal pound / Of your fair flesh…”
Explanation: If Antonio fails to repay, Shylock demands a pound of his flesh from anywhere on his body.
Language Technique:
- Euphemism (“merry sport”) – Downplays a gruesome penalty.
- Legal Precision – “such day… such sum” mimics contractual speech.
Theme: Revenge disguised as humor; Legalism vs Mercy
ANTONIO
“Content, in faith. I’ll seal to such a bond, / And say there is much kindness in the Jew.”
Explanation: Antonio agrees, trusting Shylock and making a bitterly ironic statement—calling it “kindness.”
BASSANIO
“You shall not seal to such a bond for me! / I’ll rather dwell in my necessity.”
Explanation: Bassanio is alarmed and says he’d rather stay poor than let Antonio risk his life.
Theme: Loyalty, Concern
ANTONIO
“Why, fear not, man, I will not forfeit it!”
Explanation: Antonio reassures Bassanio, confident that he won’t default on the loan.
Dramatic Irony: The audience knows this confidence will lead to trouble.
“Within these two months… I do expect return / Of thrice three times the value…”
Explanation: Antonio believes his ships will come in soon with enough profit to repay triple the loan.
Theme: Risk, Trust, Foreshadowing
SHYLOCK
“O father Abram, what these Christians are…”
Explanation: Shylock invokes the Jewish patriarch Abraham, expressing disbelief at Christian hypocrisy.
“Whose own hard dealings teaches them suspect / The thoughts of others!”
Explanation: He says Christians are so ruthless themselves that they assume others must be just as deceitful.
Theme: Hypocrisy, Distrust
“Pray you tell me this: / If he should break his day, what should I gain—good?”
Explanation: Shylock pretends he has no reason to hope Antonio defaults—he asks, “What would I gain?”
Irony: The audience understands that Shylock does hope for this—his gain is revenge.
SHYLOCK:
“By the exaction of the forfeiture? A pound of man’s flesh taken from a man is not so estimable, profitable neither, as flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats.”
Simple meaning:
“Taking a pound of human flesh as a penalty is neither valuable nor useful like meat from animals.”
Analysis:
Shylock pretends the flesh has no real value, suggesting that he’s not asking for it out of greed, but for some other reason—this is ironic because we know he harbors a grudge against Antonio.
Literary device:
- Irony: He downplays the pound of flesh, though we later learn it’s not about money but revenge.
- Repetition & listing: “muttons, beefs, or goats” adds a dismissive tone.
Themes:
- Revenge
- Value of human life vs. material gain
- Justice vs. mercy
“I say, to buy his favor I extend this friendship. If he will take it, so. If not, adieu; And for my love I pray you wrong me not.”
Simple meaning:
“I’m offering this deal to win his friendship. If he accepts, good. If not, goodbye. Please don’t assume I mean harm.”
Analysis:
Shylock disguises his true intentions under the appearance of friendship. He’s manipulative here, using polite language to seem generous.
Literary device:
- Dramatic irony: The audience knows he hates Antonio, so his words are deceptive.
- Tone: Fake kindness; politeness used to mask motives.
Themes:
- Deception
- Appearance vs. reality
- Prejudice and hatred
ANTONIO:
“Yes, Shylock, I will seal unto this bond.”
Simple meaning:
“Yes, Shylock, I agree to this contract.”
Analysis:
Antonio is confident and perhaps naive, agreeing without understanding the full danger of the bond.
Themes:
- Trust
- Risk and consequence
- Foolishness driven by loyalty
SHYLOCK:
“Then meet me forthwith at the notary’s. Give him direction for this merry bond, And I will go and purse the ducats straight,”
Simple meaning:
“Meet me right away at the legal office. Tell the notary what to write in this cheerful bond. I’ll get the money immediately.”
Analysis:
Calling it a “merry bond” is deeply ironic—this bond is anything but cheerful.
Literary device:
- Irony: Calling a life-threatening contract “merry.”
- Imperatives: He gives commands, showing control.
Themes:
- Law and contracts
- False appearances
- Power dynamics
“See to my house left in the fearful guard Of an unthrifty knave, and presently I’ll be with you.”
Simple meaning:
“Make sure my house is being looked after; I left it in the hands of a foolish servant. I’ll join you soon.”
Analysis:
Shylock expresses concern for his property, reinforcing his careful, money-minded nature.
Themes:
- Wealth and security
- Distrust
- Responsibility
ANTONIO:
“Hie thee, gentle Jew.”
Simple meaning:
“Go quickly, kind Jew.”
Analysis:
Antonio uses kind words, but “gentle Jew” can feel condescending considering their mutual hatred.
Literary device:
- Alliteration: “Hie thee” adds rhythm.
- Oxymoron (kindness toward an enemy).
Themes:
- Prejudice
- Politeness masking conflict
“The Hebrew will turn Christian; he grows kind.”
Simple meaning:
“Maybe Shylock is becoming more Christian-like because he’s being kind.”
Analysis:
This shows Antonio’s prejudice—he associates kindness with Christianity and implies Jews are inherently unkind.
Themes:
- Religious bias
- Transformation
- Stereotypes
BASSANIO:
“I like not fair terms and a villain’s mind.”
Simple meaning:
“I don’t trust kind words from someone with a bad heart.”
Analysis:
Bassanio is suspicious of Shylock’s friendliness. He senses something wrong beneath the surface.
Literary device:
- Antithesis: “fair terms” vs. “villain’s mind”—contrast between appearance and reality.
Themes:
- Deception
- Wisdom vs. naivety
- Trust
ANTONIO:
“Come on, in this there can be no dismay; My ships come home a month before the day.”
Simple meaning:
“Don’t worry; my ships will return with goods before the loan is due.”
Analysis:
Antonio is overly confident, believing nothing will go wrong. This is foreshadowing his downfall.
Literary device:
- Foreshadowing: His optimism sets up future tension.
- Dramatic irony: The audience knows there’s risk, even if he doesn’t.
Themes:
- Fate
- Overconfidence
- The unpredictability of fortune
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