Merchant Of Venice Story Essay, Research Paper
William Shakespeare attained literary immortality through his expounding of the
many qualities of human nature in his plant. One such work, The Merchant of
Venice, revolves around the really human trait of misrepresentation. Fakes and frauds have
been relentless throughout history, even to this twenty-four hours. Evidence of misrepresentation is
all around us, whether it is in the merchandises we purchase or the gross revenues clerks?
faithlessly smiling as one debates the purchase of the illusive ware. We are
engulfed by hypocrites, Pretenders, and deceivers. Although most frequently associated
with a bosom of maliciousness, impersonation varies in its motivations every bit much as it? s
practicians, demonstrated in The Merchant of Venice by the obdurate characters
of Shylock and Portia. We often see the purpose of greed and selfishness
covered up by the words and face of virtuousness. Such feat is displayed by the
exceptionally ungenerous Shylock, an unpopular Jew who makes his life through the
pattern of vigorish. When confronted about his unsympathetic trade, he resorts to
mentioning Bible, therefore comparing his selfish trade with the actions of holy work forces
( I, iii, 73-87 ) . Antonio, a good respected and honest merchandiser, sees right
through the falsity of the justification and asks Shylock, ? Was this
inserted to do involvement good? Or is your gold and Ag Ewe and pound? ? ( I,
three, 91-92 ) . The response from Shylock to the inquiry reveals a glimps
vitamin E of his
true significance. ? I can non state ; I make it breed as fast? ( I, iii, 93-94 ) is a
instead braggart answer of his wealth than a righteous rationalisation. To which
Antonio can merely turn to his friend and state? The Satan can site Bible for
his intent. An evil psyche bring forthing holy informant is like a scoundrel with a
smiling cheek? ( I, iii, 95-97 ) . Words entirely are non the lone agencies by which
impostors operate. A far more effectual manner is one that fools the oculus for it
can non pierce through the surface. Portia, the new married woman of Antonio? s friend,
frocks as a attorney in order to lead on the tribunal. However, unlike Shylock? s
motivation, Portia? s purpose is far more baronial and selfless. She manipulates the
jurisprudence in such a manner to salvage Antonio from certain decease by the manus of Shylock.
Through the eyes of the jurisprudence, the impersonation of a attorney, particularly by a adult female at
that clip, was seen as highly illicit. But Portia saw caricature as the
merely agencies by which to salvage a adult male? s life. The action more than warranted the
cause. Unquestionably a motivation of honest ethical values. The differentiation
between the purposes of Shylock and Portia is clear. Even though Portia did
salvage the life of a baronial adult male, she did utilize misrepresentation in order to make so.
However, one may reason that impersonation of any signifier is dishonesty and the
motivation behind it can non alter that. The lone manner to continue absolute truth
would be with firm unity.