Shylock: Villain or Victim? | Shylock: Villain or Victim?

I agree to an extent. In the "Merchant of Venice", Shylock is portrayed as both a victim and a villain. Christians looked down on him, and he suffered humiliation and prejudice because of his job as a usurer and his race. However, he is also vengeful and cunning, and jumps as every chance to take revenge for himself.

We are first introduced to Shylock in Act I Scene iii where we learn about his job as a usurer. In this scene, Bassanio seeks Shylock out and asks for a loan in Antonio's name. Shylock displays his hatred for Antonio, and his hatred is mainly because Antonio lends money without interest, and threatens the existence of his job as a moneylender. Also, Antonio is prejudiced against the Jews and often throws verbal and physical abuse at Shylock. Shylock's hatred for the Christians can be seen from, "How like a fawning...
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