The Merchant of Venice essay free essay sample

Show how William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice uses juxtaposition, contrasting characterisation and foreshadowing to explore ideasMany literary devices can often be used to explore ideas. William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice has many plots and sub-plots with various underlying themes expressed through the use of literary devices. Shakespeare uses juxtaposing settings to display the theme of people being easily corrupted by the desire of wealth and losing sight of the value of their interpersonal relationships; contrasting characterisation to show that people are more similar than they are different; and foreshadowing to emphasize that arrogance can lead to ones downfall.William Shakespeare uses two juxtaposing settings to display that people are easily corrupted by the desire of wealth which causes them to lose sight of the value of relationships. Throughout the play, Shakespeare contrasts Venice and Belmont to show the effect setting plays in the disposition and nature of main characters such as Portia and Shylock. We will write a custom essay sample on The Merchant of Venice essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Portia is the embodiment of the calm and merciful nature of Belmont, whereas Shylock represents the greed of Venice as he would rather his †¦daughter were dead at my [Shylocks] feet wearing those jewels while Portia is willing to offer her wealth to save Antonio when she tells Bassanio to Pay him six thousand and cancel the debt. Id pay twelve thousand before Id let a friend like that suffer in the slightest because of you†¦. Belmont is an imaginary place ruled by women which is filled with tranquillity and unity, while Venice is the financial capital bustling with business and discrimination. The scenes constantly switch between Belmont and Venice during the course of the bond plot between Antonio and Shylock, and the casket plot between Portia and Bassanio. Within these juxtaposed settings, the nature of the characters is clearly seen as the purposeful juxtaposition of these two settings contrast the chaotic Venice and the peaceful, fantastical Belmont. This is shown in the case of the trial when Portia, disguised as a lawyer, displays her kindness when she tells Shylock that The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes†¦. This metaphor about mercy attempts to show Belmonts grace and mercy to Venice, a place ruled by the wealthy and the greedy. – what is ironical, resolution of the theme. Contrasting characterisation is the prominent foundation of the play. Although contrasting, Antonio and Shylock are more alike than they are different. As the play unfolds similarities in Antonio and Shylocks situation are made known as they both have lost someone close to them. Shylock has lost his daughter Jessica who eloped with Lorenzo, a Christian, while Antonio has lost Bassanio, a close friend, who embarked on a journey to win [Portia]. There is a contrast in their reaction to this loss as Shylock is furious and runs through the streets of Venice crying my daughter! Oh, my ducats! repeatedly. Although mocked by the majority, Shylock cares only for his money as he regarded her elopement as procession and mourned the loss of his precious jewels instead. Meanwhile, Antonio is accepting of Bassanios wishes as he aids him in his quest to pursue Portia, the Belmont heiress. Another contrast can be made in the way both Antonio and Shylock are represented in society. Although Shylock accounts, in the beginning of the play, the injustices done to him by Antonio such as spiting on him and calling him a dog, Antonio is praised by most people in society. Bassanio use hyperbole to describe his character as he is †¦the kindest man and most courteous to others. Meanwhile, Shylock, who appears not to have many friends throughout the play, is despised by even those close to him as Launcelot, his servant, uses simile to liken him to the devil while his daughter criticises his manner. Shylocks religious status and practise of usury is the main cause for his discrimination. However, through the use of rhetorical questions in Shylocks speech before the trial saying, Hath not a Jew eyes?.. . If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? And if you wrong us, do we not revenge , Shakespeare helps the audience understand the effect of discrimination and prejudice on the afflicted minority.Finally, foreshadowing is used to emphasise the idea of arrogance being the cause of ones downfall. This theme is constantly seen throughout the play, with the first example being when Antonio and Shylock agree on a penance in case Antonio is not able to repay the debt on time. Antonio agrees to the bond confidently saying that he †¦expect[s] return of thrice three times the value of this bond†¦. Antonio is certain that all his ship will return safely and will be able to easily repay the bond. However, his confidence is proven to be misplaced as more than half his ships were destroyed and Antonio ends up almost losing his life. Shylock knows of the uncertainty of Antonios wealth and makes the bond, knowing that there are many things that can happen during the ships voyage. Another example of foreshadowing is that of Jessicas monologue as Shylock bids her goodnight and takes his leave, with Jessica saying †¦Farewell; and if my fortune be not crost, I have a father, you a daughter, lost†¦. This foreshadows how Shylock will lose his daughter because of her elopement with Lorenzo which occurs later in the play. The last example is when Shylock stands before the court to claim his pound of flesh, confident that he can claim it and will be protected by the law. This is ironical since he ignores all pleads of mercy, foreshadowing how the court will overthrow the fulfilment of the bond.Throughout William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare uses many literary techniques such as juxtaposition, contrasting characterisation and foreshadowing to highlight the subtle and underlying themes present in the play. Juxtaposition is used to display the theme of people easily losing sight of the value of their interpersonal relationships; contrasting characterisation is used to show that people are more alike than they are different; foreshadowing is used to emphasise that arrogance can lead to ones downfall.