Merchant of Venice

Truth be told, I sympathize with both men. Antonio's good intentions and loyalty to his friends certainly serve to make his plight sympathetic. Shylock, however, also evokes our sympathy. As a Jew, he is a constant target of anti-Semitism. He is looked down on by the populace, and his love of money seems to far outweigh his love for his daughter.... at least until she disappears, when we are left to decide whether it is his daughter he mourns or the money she took with her.