Not Worth Laughing About: Anti-Semitism in The Merchant of Venice
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date published 20/06/2008
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SummaryAs time changes, so do the interpretations of Shakespeare’s dramas. Newer productions are supposed to appeal to modern audiences by reflecting current attitudes and cultural beliefs. Anti-Semitic viewpoints existed long before Shakespeare and his play, The Merchant of Venice, which is considered by many to be anti-Semitic. However, the reasons for anti-Semitic thought have changed greatly over the past century. Tension between Christians and Jews is one of the play’s most important aspects, and is emphasized in earlier productions. In more recent productions, however, more weight has been placed on personal beliefs, and less on religion. Shylock’s profession overshadows his faith. This change represents a shift in modern culture: looking at the individual beliefs, not the religion or ethnicity of a person to define his or her actions.
Table of Contents
- From the late 1800s and into the turn of the twentieth century, England received an influx of Jews escaping the Russian pogroms.
- The strong focus on the many aspects of Jewish culture minimizes the positive aspects of Christianity.
- In Theodore Komisarjevsky's 1932 staging of Merchant, Shylock's religion is still an important aspect.
- Komisarjevsky attempted to overshadow the anti-Semitic undertones of Merchant by staging it in a mythical, fantasy-like Venice.
- Shylock is a banker in this dramatic interpretation, not just an ambiguous 'moneylender.?
- Through his groundbreaking production of Merchant, David Calder showed the difference between religion and personal beliefs.
- The Merchant of Venice is an excellent example of a play that can be molded to fit common social opinions and beliefs.
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