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Shakespeare was not really aware of anti-Semitism as a specific phenomenon. There were very few Jews in the England of his day, and those who were there did not practice their religion openly. He did have a Jewish character in his play The Merchant of Venice, and that play also has anti-Semitic characters in it, but he was basically exploring the psychology of prejudice generally.

The play has been used to discourage anti-Semitism by portraying Shylock, the Jewish character, in a sympathetic light and the anti-Semitic Venetians unfavourably. It has also been used to encourage anti-Semitism by portraying Shylock as a villain and the anti-Semites like Graziano as heroes.
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Why were Jews treated with such disdain in Shakespeare's time?

Jews were treated with disdain in Shakespeare's time because Anti-Semitism was quite prevalent. The idea that all people are equal and that each person should be allowed to choose his faith was an idea that did not exist while Shakespeare was alive.


Who wrote the Shakespeare title?

The book known as "An Impartial Study of the Shakespeare Title" is an anti-Stratfordian work by John H. Stotsenburg, written in 1904.


Anti-Semitism in Elizabeth era?

Consider the title character of (the Merchant of Venice) the dishonest businessman Shylock. He is a stereotyped ( I am the Loan Shark) character and seems to have six points to the star- he is cast as a Jewish man. One mignt add the villainous bad-guy Fagin created by Charles Dickens- centuries after Shakespeare. o- it"s on the stage... not a good excuse.


What has the author Lunabelle Wedlock written?

Lunabelle Wedlock has written: 'The reaction of Negro publications and organizations to German anti-Semitism' -- subject(s): African Americans, Jewish question, Jews


When did shakespeare die and what was inscribed on his thumb?

William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616. There is a well-known anecdote that he had the words "Good frend, for Jesus' sake forbeare" inscribed on his tombstone in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, as a plea for respect and to discourage anyone from disturbing his remains. However, there is no historical evidence to suggest anything was inscribed on his thumb specifically.