毕业论文(设计)On the Character of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice【英语论文】

;;On the Character of Shylock in The Merchant of VeniceBy Zhang XiaomingA 2006 Undergraduate of the School of Foreign Languages of Anqing Teachers CollegeSupervisor: Li MingMay 25th, 2006On the Character of Shylock in The Merchant of VeniceThesis statement: Shylock is not a complete villain, but a tragic figurewho is more sinned against than sinning.OutlineI. Brief introduction about the comedy and ShylockII. Analysis of the character of ShylockA. Shylock as a Jewish usurerB. Shylock who endured abuse but forge easilyC. Shylock?s attitude towards his eloped daughterD. Shylock?s attitude towards the customs and the lawIII. My view of Shylock1On the Character of Shylock in The Merchant of VeniceAuthor: Zhang Xiaoming Supervisor: Li MingI. Brief introduction about the comedy and Shylock Shylock is the most vivid and memorable character in The Merchant of Venice, and he is one of Shakespeare?s greatest dramatic creations. On stage, it is Shylock who makes the play, and almost all of the great actors of the English and Continental stage he attempted the role. But the character of Shylock has also been the subject of much critical debate: Is he a bloodthirsty villain? Or is he a man “more sinned against than sinning”? In my opinion, though Shylock is technically the antagonist in the play, it is easy to sympathize him with his plight. During this period in history, Jews were harassed, killed, spit upon, and treated little better than animals (unless of course someone wanted to borrow some money). Antonio had spit upon him in the past, stolen his customers by lending money to them without interest, stolen one of Shylock?s servants, whose friend then eloped with his only daughter. (中间段落已被省略！范文仅供参考！)II. Analysis of the Character of Shylock A. Shylock as a Jewish usurer2Shakespeare created a living portrait that has caused critics to wonder whether Shylock is merely a comic villain or the tragic victim of Christian cruelty. The story of the Jews in medieval Europe throws a good deal of light on the events of the play and provides us with the Shakespearean frame of reference which is necessary for an understanding of both the major themes and minor details which are the fabric of The Merchant of Venice. (中间段落已被省略！范文仅供参考！) It is troubling that Shakespeare has Shylock say in an aside, as soon as Bassanio introduces to Antonio, “I hate him for he is a Christian.”1 This is not a rational reason to hate anyone and is the first warning of trouble. Shylock does indeed he a problem with Antonio, not because he is a Christian, but rather, as Shylock explains: “He [Antonio] lends out money gratis and brings down/The rate of usance here with us in Venice.”2 This was not simply a case of greed on Shylock?s part; the Jews of that time had no other way to earn money. They were not allowed to own land, and most occupations were closed to them. By lending money without interest, Antonio was depriving Shylock of hi