Description
The Merchant of Venice is perhaps most associated not with its titular hero, Antonio, but with the complex figure of the money lender, Shylock. The play was described as a comedy in the First Folio but its modern audiences find it more problematic to categorise. The vilification of Shylock 'the Jew' can be very uncomfortable for a post-holocaust audience and debates continue as to whether Shakespeare's portrayal of this complex man is sympathetic or anti-semitic.
John Drakakis' comprehensive introduction traces the stage history of the figure of the Jew and looks boldly at twenty-first century issues surrounding it. He also explores other themes of the play such as father/daughter relations, the power of money and the forceful character of Portia, to offer readers an energetic, original and revelatory reading of this challenging play.Author: William Shakespeare
Publisher: Arden Shakespeare
Published: 04/26/2011
Pages: 480
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.00w x 1.00d
ISBN13: 9781903436813
ISBN10: 1903436818
BISAC Categories:
- Drama | Shakespeare
- Literary Collections | General
About the Author
John Drakakis is Professor of English Studies at the University of Stirling, Scotland.