The Merchant of Venice: Context (AQA GCSE English Literature)
Revision Note
Written by: Nick Redgrove
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
The Merchant of Venice historical context
Shakespeare plays dating from before April 1603 are considered Elizabethan as they were written and performed at the time Elizabeth I was on the English throne. The Merchant of Venice was written between 1596 and 1598 and is therefore an Elizabethan play.
In 1290, King Edward I issued an edict expelling all Jews from England:
This expulsion remained in effect for over 350 years
By the time of Elizabeth I’s reign, Jews were still officially banned, but a small minority lived in England
At this time Jews faced significant prejudice and were barely tolerated by society:
Jews often had to conceal their faith and live as Christians to avoid persecution
Many were forced into specific occupations, such as moneylending, which often exacerbated negative stereotypes
They were often stereotyped and vilified in literature
How this links to the play The Merchant of Venice | |
Attitudes towards Jews | The historical context forms the foundation of the religious conflict and anti-Semitism portrayed in the play. Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock reflects contemporary attitudes towards Jews. This is also evidenced in how the Christian characters demonise Jews. For example, Antonio does not deny insulting and spitting on Shylock. |
The Merchant of Venice social context
The play explores various social themes and issues of Shakespeare’s time. The play juxtaposes the bustling, commercial world of Venice with the more intimate inner world of love and relationships, including explorations of gender and discrimination.
Prejudice and intolerance
Despite being involved in various trades, Jews were renowned for their occupation as usurers, lending money at interest rates
During the Elizabethan era, there was a prevalent belief that Jews had animosity towards Christians and would resort to any means necessary to harm them
Consequently, it was not uncommon for Renaissance comedy to feature a Jewish character as the primary antagonist
At the time, Venice was a commercial port and one of the richest trading cities in the world:
Trade would have been an essential aspect of Venice's economy and it would have been imperative to provide equal protections to merchants of all religions and nationalities:
However, prejudice and intolerance would still have been common
How this links to the play The Merchant of Venice | |
Prejudice towards Shylock | As moneylending was a despised practice among the Elizabethans, Shakespeare's audiences would have also scorned Shylock as an unconverted and alien Jew. Shylock's downfall in Shakespeare's play would also have been met with different responses depending on the audience. In Elizabethan England, people seeking cultural homogeneity would have found solace in observing the coerced conversion of Shylock. Those who were of the opinion that non-Christians would suffer eternal damnation would also have viewed it as a favourable result. Furthermore, it was considered inconceivable for a Jew to retaliate against their persecutors, which is the exact course of action taken by Shylock. |
Other forms of prejudice | Prejudice is also evident through other characters in the play. For example, the Prince of Morocco expects to be met by Portia with a negative response to his skin colour and declares “Mislike me not for my complexion”. |
Love and friendship
In 16th-century England, platonic, passionate friendships between men were a commonality
Marriages in the Elizabethan era, especially among the aristocracy (but also extending to the middle and lower classes) were frequently organised between families:
This was done to benefit both parties and marriage was highly influenced by factors such as money, status and alliances
Women had no influence over who they were to marry and were obliged to comply with their parents' (particularly fathers') decisions
However, as Europe moved towards modernisation, there arose a new ideal of marriages based on mutual attraction and love:
Therefore, traditions surrounding courtship and marriage went through substantial changes
In Venetian culture, paternal authority was held in high regard and was considered to be sacred:
Any resistance or rebellion against it ran the risk of facing severe consequences, including the possibility of death, although typically such a severe punishment was not carried out
Sons who disobeyed their fathers were typically disowned or sent into exile, whereas daughters were often locked up or sent to convents
How this links to the play The Merchant of Venice | |
Male platonic friendship | In viewing the friendship between Antonio and Bassanio, it is important to consider the convention of sentimental friendships between men during the Renaissance period: Antonio’s help in Bassanio’s pursuit for Portia’s love is his way of showing love for his friend. |
Gender inequality | Women’s lack of agency in matters of love is evidenced through Portia who is unable to choose her own husband and must comply with her father’s will. |
Paternal authority | Paternal authority is also explored through Jessica as her conduct would have typically outraged an orthodox Jewish family. Shylock's declaration that he would rather see Jessica dead, along with the stolen ducats, is therefore plausible. |
Power and wealth
For centuries, wealth was predominantly held by landowners and the aristocracy
Venice was a city driven by trade and commerce:
Its opulence was founded on business rather than inherited wealth or noble status
The Merchant of Venice was written during a period in which a new group of merchants and business people were on the rise
Lending money with the intention of profiting from it was considered to be against Christian religious beliefs
In England, borrowing money to finance ventures was made legal, although it still carried negative connotations since it was traditionally done through Jewish lenders
How this links to the play The Merchant of Venice | |
Conventions of courtship | Due to the social conventions of courtship during this period, Bassanio needs wealth in order to pursue Portia. Shakespeare's use of Portia's predicament with her suitors also enables Shakespeare to mock the aristocrats of varying nations for the entertainment of his Elizabethan audience. |
Attitudes towards money | Shylock, a character who values his wealth over his own daughter, Jessica, would have been viewed unfavourably by Shakespearean audiences. His fixation on his home, jewellery, finances, and assets reveal his status as an outsider to Venetian society, which is further emphasised by the legal principles Portia speaks about. However, as an audience, it is important to have an understanding of the reasons why money held such significance to Shylock: he views usury as a means of maintaining his financial stability. |
The Merchant of Venice literary context
The Merchant of Venice is known as a Shakespearean comedy. Knowing this — and that an audience would also have certain expectations when watching a comedy — can help to elevate your analysis of Shakespeare’s choices as a playwright.
The structure of a comedy
Many of Shakespeare’s comedies follow the same five-part structure:
Part | Definition | In The Merchant of Venice |
1: Exposition | The introduction to the play for the audience, and an introduction to the themes and atmosphere | Antonio, Bassanio, Shylock and Portia are introduced and the settings of Venice and Belmont are established. Bassanio’s request for money from Antonio leads them to Shylock, and introduces the themes of financial difficulty and prejudice |
2: Rising action | When complications in the main plot are exposed and an inevitable chain of events starts | Antonio’s ships are thought to have been lost and Shylock, angered by his daughter’s elopement, is determined to have his bond |
3: Climax | The point in the play where the tension and excitement reach the highest level | The trial scene indicates that Antonio cannot be saved from his fate |
4. Falling action | The events that occur immediately after the climax has taken place and the action shifts towards resolution, instead of escalation | Shylock is ordered to convert to Christianity and bequeath his possessions to Lorenzo and Jessica; Portia and Nerissa persuade their husbands to give up their rings |
5. Denouement | Normality and the natural order is restored | The lovers all gather safely in Belmont and Antonio’s ships return safely |
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