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Why is the book The Merchant of Venice a tragic comedy?

The Merchant of Venice is a play, not a book. It is meant to be watched, not read. Although the story of Bassanio and Portia is comic in structure, the subplot about Antonio and Shylock ends tragically for Shylock. In this respect the play is similar to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which ends badly for Malvolio, although the ending is happy for the main characters. One of the peculiarities of The Merchant of Venice is that Shylock, because of the complexity of his character and the opportunity he presents for drama, has become the character in the play actors most want to play. In the nineteenth century, where all Shakespearean plays were treated as a vehicle for a star actor supported by a lot of nobodies, it is Shylock who Henry Irving played, not Bassanio. As a result, it has become Shylock's play, which makes it a tragedy. Incidentally, the historical fact that the role of Shylock has attracted many great actors is proof positive that the role is not a caricature or some kind of antisemitic stereotype.


Lesson learned in this story merchant of Venice?

It is a dangerous business trying to find "moral lessons" in Shakespeare's plays, because what the characters say and do is what they say and do. Whether it is good or bad is something the audience, the director and the actors bring to the table. In an earlier age, the Merchant of Venice was used by anti-semitic people to say anti-semitism is good. Nowadays, it is much more likely to be used to say that anti-semitism is bad. In fact it says neither; it only says that racism exists, and where it exists it begets more hatred. In an earlier age, Portia and the Duke were looked on as models of mercy and kindness in their treatment of Shylock. Nowadays they are more likely to be seen as smug, self-satisfied hypocrites who are happy to dress their cruel treatment of Shylock up as kindness. Either way, it is clear that Shylock made a tactical error in trusting to the Christian establishment (in the form of the law) to carry out his revenge on the Christians, personified by him in the person of the unfortunate Antonio. In an odd way, the subplot of Merchant of Venice is a revenge story like Hamlet or Titus Andronicus, and has the same kind of result: revenge results in misery and disaster. Unlike the others, Shylock's revenge only brings misery and disaster on himself. But unlike the others, Shylock is seeking revenge not against one person who has wronged him, but against all those who are in power and who have persecuted him and the other Jews. In any case, he would have been better off to have taken the offer of settlement made to him.


Which of William Shakespeare's plays have happy endings?

Several of William Shakespeare's plays have happy endings, including "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "As You Like It," and "Twelfth Night." These comedies typically involve resolution of conflicts, reconciliation of characters, and the celebration of love and harmony. The plays often conclude with weddings or other joyous events, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and satisfaction.


What are examples of problem play in Shakespeare's play?

Shakespeare's problem plays are those which are difficult to categorize, usually because they are comedies in which very sad things happen to the characters. They don't usually die, though. Measure for Measure and All's Well that Ends Well are often called problem plays because their endings are ambiguous. Troilus and Cressida is a problem play because nobody is happy at the end, although they are alive (except for Hector, who has been murdered, and Patroclus who died in battle). Cymbeline is a late comedy but for some reason sometimes gets put in among the tragedies. Merchant of Venice was originally chiefly a comedy, but nowadays the role of Shylock is the central role, and the play turns out very badly for him.


What are some prejudice in the Merchant of Venice?

People judge Shylock because he is a Jew. He cannot escape the harassment that he receives for being Jewish.Jessica is too nice to be a Jew, and therefore must convert to ChristianityThere is only a happy ending for the Christian characters

Related Questions

Is The Merchant of Venice a comedy for all other characters but a tragedy for shylock?

Pretty much. Jessica, it would appear, is not totally happy with her choice to marry Lorenzo, but her life could be worse.


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No and Happy Birthday to Jade Merchant!!!


Are there needles for depression?

nope, be happy! :)


How can you help your brother with his depression?

make him happy


Where and what was happy valley in the great depression?

Happy Valley was in New South Wales, Australia.


How do you show no signs of depression?

act like your happy


How does Prozac treat depression?

It puts your hormones in balance and makes you happy!


What do people with depression show?

Everyone is different. I had depression, stopped taking my meds when I felt I was ready and I am perfectly happy 98% of the time.


Will exercise help with depression?

Yes, exercise does help with depression. It releases chemicals in your body that your brain needs and stimulates a happy nerve.


Why are some people feel sad whereas the others are happy?

they might have depression, which makes it very hard to be happy sumtimes.


Why is the book The Merchant of Venice a tragic comedy?

The Merchant of Venice is a play, not a book. It is meant to be watched, not read. Although the story of Bassanio and Portia is comic in structure, the subplot about Antonio and Shylock ends tragically for Shylock. In this respect the play is similar to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which ends badly for Malvolio, although the ending is happy for the main characters. One of the peculiarities of The Merchant of Venice is that Shylock, because of the complexity of his character and the opportunity he presents for drama, has become the character in the play actors most want to play. In the nineteenth century, where all Shakespearean plays were treated as a vehicle for a star actor supported by a lot of nobodies, it is Shylock who Henry Irving played, not Bassanio. As a result, it has become Shylock's play, which makes it a tragedy. Incidentally, the historical fact that the role of Shylock has attracted many great actors is proof positive that the role is not a caricature or some kind of antisemitic stereotype.


Is being happy good for you?

Yes. Plus, if you are not happy, more than likely depression will hit you before you know it. You should be happy ALL of the time but its best to be happy most of the time.