Antonio Vs Shylock - the Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is a tragic one, which is discussed as being comic. Many factors of this play are resulting from the current voice of situation. The Merchant of Venice could be looked at as more tragic because of the cruel intentions from some of the characters. Others could say that The Merchant of Venice was to be seen as more comic and the scenarios wouldn’t be taken as seriously. Just like comparing the genre of the play, William Shakespeare’s characters can also be compared. The two main characters, Shylock and Antonio are more alike then they appear to the audience. During the play, Antonio and Shylock show similarities through their acts of prejudice, their love of money and their refusal to show mercy.

One of the main similarities between the two main characters is that they both are very prejudiced. Antonio does not like Shylock because he is a Jew, and he lets Shylock know his feelings. While in Venice, further conversation between the two shows that Antonio has directly and publicly insulted Shylock. Antonio feels no guilt and says, “ I am as like to call thee so again/ to spit on thee again, to spurn thee again” ( 1.3 126-127). Antonio does not need a reason to hate him, and is admitting that he will easily do it again. Unlike Antonio, Shylock has a reason to be prejudiced because of the way Antonio treated him. Shylock shows this by wanting Antonio to sign a bond for a pound of his flesh. Also, Shylock does not show Antonio that he is prejudice towards him, but tries to trick him into being his friend. He says to himself, “ How like a fawning publican he looks!/ I hate him for he is Christian” ( 1.3.37-38). Everything about Antonio disgusts Shylock. The disappearance of Shylock’s daughter Jessica, also stirs up prejudice feelings towards Antonio. The two continue to display their prejudice side as the play unravels and reveals harsh circumstances. Their prejudice aspects also show their similarities for the love of money.

The main plot in The Merchant of Venice is the money plot, both Antonio and Shylock both pride themselves over their love of money. Antonio is a wealthy merchant who prides himself on having an open wallet. It is also no problem for Antonio to lend money to his friend Bassanio. His generosity goes as far as not even charging interest, and willfully giving up his life for a bond.