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The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice. by William Shakespeare. Background to the Play. Shakespeare wrote this play in 1596 or 1597. In Shakespeare’s time The Merchant of Venice was regarded as a comedy; however, modern audiences see elements of tragedy as well. Jewish History in Europe.

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The Merchant of Venice

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  1. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

  2. Background to the Play • Shakespeare wrote this play in 1596 or 1597. • In Shakespeare’s time The Merchant of Venice was regarded as a comedy; however, modern audiences see elements of tragedy as well.

  3. Jewish History in Europe • King Edward I of England had persecuted and expelled the Jews in 1290. • From the 13th century on, Jews were expelled in countries all over Europe. • Shakespeare cannot have known a great deal about the Jewish community.

  4. Jewish History in Venice • By 1509 Venice, Italy allowed Jews to build a community within the city. • However, Jews were restricted by strict laws limiting property ownership, commerce, and social life.

  5. The Setting --Venice • Venice is the world of reality. • Venice was the international hub of sea-faring trade and commerce during the Renaissance. • Venice means business -- all scenes in Venice involve trade, money, and striking deals. $

  6. The Rialto Bridge

  7. The Setting –Belmont Island • Belmont is a fictional island. • It represents the green world of nature, fantasy, and love. • Characters escape the reality of Venice when they go to Belmont.

  8. Plots • the bond plot • the casket plot • the elopement plot • the ring plot $

  9. Thematic Topics • love and money • justice and mercy • anti-Semitism and tolerance • villainy and heroism • appearance and reality • comedy and tragedy

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