’s Dystopia – The Merchant Of Venice Is Far From Perfect Essay, Research Paper
Auden, W.H. “Brothers and Others.” “The Dyer’s Hand” and Other Essays. New York: Random House, 1948. In a casual but seminal essay on the play, Auden calls The Merchant of Venice one of Shakespeare’s “Unpleasant Plays.” The presence of Antonio and Shylock disrupts the unambiguous fairy-tale world of romantic comedy, reminding us that the utopian qualities of Belmont are illusory: “in the real world, no hatred is totally without justification, no love totally innocent.”
Auden’s Dystopia
The Merchant of Venice is Far from Perfect
In a perfect world, hatred would be without justice; love would be totally innocent. However, utopias like that are nonexistent; thus, one can easily look around, like Auden, and exclaim, “No hatred is totally without justification, no love is totally innocent.” In The Merchant of Venice, there is an imperfect world, as well as a perfect world. The flawed world is the materialistic and bustling city of Venice. The impeccable world is the fairy-tale city of Belmont. Despite Belmont’s perfection, a bit of justified hatred from Venice would ruin its innocence. (Paradise lost.) Alas, as Auden suggests, there are no utopias.
In Venice, time is of the essence. If one were to momentarily forget the real world, one would be trampled down by its massive stampede of events, bonds, et cetera constantly being made, ubiquitously in its domain. Shylock and Antonio are just one pair of culprits adding to the ultimate imperfection of Venice. However, the bond made between Shylock and Antonio sets them completely apart from the normal villainy dealings, “If you repay me not on such a day… let the forfeit / Be nominated for an equal pound / Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken…” [Act 1, Scene 3]. A shrewd merchant, Antonio does not immediately agree to this. He first reasons it out: “Within these two months–that’s a month before / This bond expires–I do expect return / Of thrice three times the value of this bond.” [Act 1, Scene 3] If all goes well, our merchant of Venice would have no difficulties in paying Shylock back. However, not all goes well; a while after this bond, rumors on the Rialto suggest that Antonio has lost his fortunes at sea. With not enough wealth to compensate for his due payment, Antonio is now in danger of losing a pound of his flesh, which in those days meant almost certain death.
In Belmont’s high peak, secluded from the merchants of Venice, time is a silhouette of the real world. Portia sits there weary and bored, waiting for the brave suitor who would agree to risk all for her. She is the perfect woman, wrought of both intelligence and beauty; she is like a doll trapped in Wonderland. In addition to those materialistic qualities, she is also a faithful daughter. She dutifully holds true to her father’s dying wish and allows her suitors to be chosen by a lottery system. Thus, many heroic Jasons come in quest for this golden fleece. All abandon this quest, afraid that they would not choose the right casket, and thus might lose all. Dear Portia is innocently waiting in Belmont for love.
In Venice, daughters do not have deep faiths in their fathers. Tired of her “hell” house, Jessica elopes with Lorenzo. Perhaps she does so to ameliorate her status in the orthodox world; she seeks conversion to Christianity in order to justify her hated past Jewish life. Semitism is despised in Venice. Shylock, her father, portrays the typical Jewish hatred towards Christians, with justification, “I hate him for he is a Christian. [Act 1, Scene 3]” He will not allow her to mingle with Christians. “Nor thrust your head into the public street / To gaze on Christian fools with varnished faces… [Act 2, Scene 5]” Thus, he has destroyed her innocent love. In order to love, she would have to defy him.
In Belmont, true innocent love can be found. Even when her beloved Bassanio goes nigh to choosing a wrong casket, Portia does not stop him. “I pray you, tarry… I could teach you / How to choose right, but then I am forsworn. [Act 3, Scene 2]” She has faith in her father’s will, even if it does mean that she loses her Bassanio. Bassanio, the impulsive lover, innocently reasons the three clues etched upon the walls of the caskets, and thus, chooses the right one. Bassanio finds a portrait of Portia in the casket, as well as a scroll that reads, “Turn you where your lady is / And claim her with a loving kiss. [Act 3, Scene 2]” He kisses her, still “giddy in spirit, gazing in a doubt.” She gives him a ring, which she insists he must never remove. Do they live happily ever after?
From Venice, there comes a lamenting group. Lorenzo, Jessica, and Salerio arrive at the enchanted city of happiness, with news of Antonio’s fortunes lost at sea. In lieu of the little time they have, Bassanio has to confess his secret to Portia, “When I told you / My state was nothing, I should then have told you / That I was worse than nothing; for indeed/ I have engaged myself to a dear friend, / Engaged my friend to his mere enemy, / To feed my means. [Act 3, Scene 2]” Antonio’s problems have entered Belmont; via the joining of both worlds, the illusory harmony of Belmont is ruined.
From Belmont, there comes a stellar lawyer, apt to put up strong shields for the defendant. Shylock, powered by “a lodged hate and a certain loathing [Act 4, Scene 1],” attacks Antonio in court. Bassanio, the faithful friend, whom the bond should have been made to, tries all he can to mitigate his friend’s predicament. Try as he might, he does not succeed; Antonio, as weary as ever, asks him to stop, as he knows that there are “no lawful means,” to break their bond. “Live still, and write mine epithet. [Act 4, Scene 1]” At that moment, Portia enters the courtroom, with fake credentials of a “Doctor of Laws.” Shylock is whetting his knife, preparing for justice to aid him in carrying out his revenge, his hatred for Antonio. She starts her part by playing with him, suggesting Shylock to relent to mercy, knowing full well that he would not consent to have mercy upon his enemy. She seems to give many hints suggesting him to break the bond; however, Shylock continuously insists that he “must have his bond.” He is so impatient; it almost seems as if his base hatred has eliminated his hearing. Finally, she tires of his stubborn uncreative replies. She parallels his insistence for accuracy in interpreting the bond. “This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; / The words expressly are ‘a pound of flesh.’ / Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; / But in cutting it if thou dost shed / One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods / Are by the laws of Venice confiscate / Unto the state of Venice. [Act 4, Scene 1]“.
In Venice, a Jew is foiled. By his own myopia, eyes shrouded by his intense need for revenge, he ends up losing all his wealth. And still, he does not get his “pound of flesh.” The law of Venice defies aliens, of which Shylock is one. Consequently, as the law abides, half his money goes to the state, and the other half goes to the defendant. Shylock is surrounded by discriminating enemies. He is like a jewel lost amidst the rough. Justice’s sentient eyes would distinguish him at first sight; he is a minority in this world of Christians. His hatred is profound, yet the law serves no recourse; justice does not serve him in carrying through with his revenge.
In Belmont, we find two lovers: Lorenzo and Jessica, away from the oppressive environment of Venice, alone and innocent, once more, with the consecration of love. As daybreak approaches, the defendant group arrives, valiant in their victory. Much teasing and merrymaking occurs, once again restoring happiness and innocence to Belmont. Timeless events occur there, once again… relieving the players of their past worries.
Shylock, abandoned as a poor misfit Jew, struggles in the real world down in Venice. He seems to be the sole person with discontentment in the closing of Act 5. Everyone else, including his ex-Jewess daughter, is happy. The lovers have all sacrificed an element of their innocence to love, which is the core of their euphoria. As a whole, this play may be seen as a comedy. However, as Shylock’s predicament would imply, it would be a tragedy from the point of view of the Jews. Perhaps, with the drawing of the curtains, a silent fire still rages with petty hatred, with Shylock’s firm justifications that he has been wronged, yet again.
Другие работы по теме:
Оден Вістен Гью
ОДЕН, Вістен Х'ю (Auden, Wystan Hugh - 21.02.1907, Йорк - 28.09.1973, Відень) - англо-американський письменник. Оден народився в англійському Йорку в родині знаного лікаря. У спогадах про своє дитинство він дещо іронічно-гіперболізовано зауважив: «Я був мудрагелем не за роками, фізично кволим, короткозорим, слабким у всіх іграх, замазурою та нечепурою, нігтегризом, боягузливим, брехливим і сентиментальним хлопцем...» Оден здобув добру освіту у приватній школі Грешамз-скул і коледжі Крайст-Черч Оксфордського університету.
On Basis Of Our Reading What Would
Your Definition Of Satire Be? Explain In Detail Why. Essay, Research Paper “An exaggerated, often witty or ironic, indirect approach to express oneґs opinions or disgust with the aim to ridicule a desired victim.” This is my definition of satire and hopefully satisfies the areas of satire that need to be explained.
The Role Of Prejudice In The Merchant
Of Venice Essay, Research Paper The Role of Prejudice In The Merchant of Venice This paper discusses the subject of prejudice in the William Shakespeare
When Society Is Too Equal Essay Research
Paper When Society is too Equal W. H. Auden’s poem entitled “The Unknown Citizen” and Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.’s short story entitled “Harrison Bergeron” is a portrayal of a conflict between individualism and government control. Auden’s “The Unknown Citizen” is a government’s view of the perfect modern man in an unrealistic society.
The Lost Soul Essay Research Paper The
The Lost Soul Essay, Research Paper The subject of W.H. Audens ?Unknown Citizen? not only has to do with one particular mans life, but could apply to the life of just about anyone. The theme of the poem is that the man being
Review Fragrant Harbour By John Lanchester Essay
, Research Paper Know-how, kow-tow and air-conditionersFragrant Harbourby John Lanchester299pp, FaberJohn Lanchester’s first novel, The Debt to Pleasure, delighted gourmets and others – the former because its principal character is a disciple of Brillat Savarin, devoted to gustatory ecstasy as a good man might be devoted to virtue, the latter just for the jokes.
WH Auden Essay Research Paper WH AudenThe
W.H Auden Essay, Research Paper W.H. Auden The Poet W.H. Auden was born in York in 1907. During his studies in school, he excelled in sciences and thought of being a mining engineer. He also started reading Freud and acting in school plays. In the winter of 1922, Auden published his first poem in the school magazine.
Booker Goes Global Essay Research Paper Booker
Booker Goes Global Essay, Research Paper Booker goes globalProvincial, insular, philistine, conservative: these are some of the epithets The Observer has deployed to characterise the British literary establishment. Occasionally, I have wondered if these terms were not – shall we say? – a trifle exaggerated, a shade unjust.
Conformity By Rebellion Essay Research Paper
“It’s like living on the outside of society and seeing what a crock of *censored* it is, but then approaching it again with a sense of humor. I mean, when you’re able to see society as this sort of funky, funny illusion, it makes it easier to deal with it because there is no rhyme or reason to the way it works.”
The Unknown Citizen Essay Research Paper The
The Unknown Citizen Essay, Research Paper The 20th Century witnessed the rise of nationalism. Government started to justify many of its actions, unimaginable before, as for the good of the nation. The government played a deeper role in people s personal life, probing and examining every minute detail in search for any unpatriotic crime.
The Musee De Beaux Arts Essay Research
Paper The poem is about the death of hope. Auden is distraught over the deaths in WWII. The soldiers of WWII were teenagers. To have 55 million children dead is an act of pure genocide. To Auden the fact that people let this happen means that the world is an ugly place. Art is a thing of beauty and humans don’t deserve it because of the ugly things we do.
AudenS Musee Des Beaux Arts And Dylans
?Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night? Essay, Research Paper Both Auden’s “Musee des Beaux Arts” and Dylans “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” can be seen as having a theme of tragedy. Both concern the topic of death, although each has a different message. Auden is one side of the spectrum saying that death and suffering are natural parts of the life cycle, while Thomas wants to fight death because there is still much to be done.
The Unknown Citizen Essay Research Paper
"The Unknown Citizen", a poem written by W.H. Auden, reflects a period of vast change in America?s history, making "The Unknown Citizen" an example of the government?s view of the perfect modern man in an overrated, unrealistic society.
Suffering Ignored Essay Research Paper On February
Suffering Ignored Essay, Research Paper On February 21, 1907 Wystan Hugh Auden was born in York England. Auden was a poet, dramatist, and literary critic whose everyday language and conversational rhythms has had a major influence on modern poetry. Auden was initially a science major but after several years at Gresham School he realized science was not the career for his future.
Funeral Blues Essay Research Paper WH Auden
Funeral Blues Essay, Research Paper W.H. Auden wrote Funeral Blues the poem. Wystan Hugh Auden (1907-1973) was born in York, England, and later became and American citizen. Auden was the founder for a generation of English poets, such as C. Day Lewis, and Stephen Spender. Auden s earlier works were composed of a Marxist outlook with a knowledge of Freudian Psychology.
Anxiety Essay Research Paper Analysis of The
Anxiety Essay, Research Paper Analysis of _The Age of Anxiety_ by W.H. Auden The themes and ideas in Auden’s _The Age of Anxiety_ reflect his belief that man’s quest for self actualization is in vain.
Who Are We To Judge Essay Research
Paper Who Are We to Judge Anyone? Sometimes it is easy to form an opinion about someone based on what you see from the outside, but by no means is this an effective way of assessing the way someone is inside. Just like you cannot judge a book a book by its cover, you cannot judge a person without getting to know them.
Analysis Of The Age Of Anxiety Essay
, Research Paper Analysis of _The Age of Anxiety_ by W.H. Auden The themes and ideas in Auden’s _The Age of Anxiety_ reflect his belief that man’s quest for self actualization is in vain.
Worker And Laborer Essay Research Paper The
Worker And Laborer Essay, Research Paper The Worker and the Laborer What is a worker? According to Wystan Auden, a man is a worker if he is personally interested in the job which society pays him to do; what from the point of view of society is necessary labor is from his own point of view voluntary play. If this is the definition of a worker, one may ask what is a laborer? Auden states that a man is a laborer if the job society offers him is of no interest to himself but he is compelled to take it by the necessity of earning a living and supporting his family.
Musee Des Beaux Arts Essay Research Paper
“The Old Master’s; how well they understood it’s human position”. In Musee des Beaux Arts by W.H. Auden, the “Old Master’s” understood that people often turned a blind eye to one another’s suffering. It uses an analysis of one art form (paintings) by another (poetry) to make the statement about people’s lack of interest in the suffering of others.
In Memory Of WB Yeats Essay Research
Paper An Analysis of In Memory of W.B. Yeats Friends often share stories or poems of loved one at their funeral. This helps to ease their pain and can also express accomplishments of the deceased. When W.B. Yeats passed away, one of his contemporaries, W.H. Auden, wrote a poem in memory of him. Auden?s poem entitled In Memory of W.B.
Romeo And Juliet Tragedy Of A Family
Or A City? Essay, Research Paper Romeo and Juliet: Tragedy of A Family or A City? Is Romeo and Juliet’s death a tragedy of two families or a tragedy of a city? In the following quote, W. H. Auden says, “The tragedy of Romeo and
Truth Ideas Which Reflect Personal Belief
Essay, Research Paper J. Douglas Boyd 11/4/99 Society, Literature, and Truth Period 5 Truth: Ideas Which Reflect Personal Belief When a writer composes a piece of literature, his sole task should be to convey
About Anthony Hecht Essay Research Paper Glyn
About Anthony Hecht Essay, Research Paper Glyn Maxwell Hecht was born in New York City. He graduated from Bard College in 1944 and served in the army in Europe and Japan. After the war he studied at Kenyon
Observer Review The Shield Of Achilles By
Philip Bobbitt Essay, Research Paper Achilles’s last standThe Shield of Achilles: War, Peace and the Course of HistoryPhilip BobbittPenguin ?25, pp993The shield of Achilles was hammered and forged into shape, according to The Iliad, by Hephaestus, who inscribed on it the history of its own making, a tormented saga of unremitting strife, havoc and death.
A Day To Remember Essay Research Paper
A Day To Remember : ? In Memory of W. B Yeats In W. H. Auden?s poem ?In memory of W. B Yeats? we found out the day of the death of William Butler Yeats was a an unforgettable one. It was a day like no other, a day to remember ? What instruments we have agree, The day of his death was a dark cold day.? As if mother earth sensed that this day, a tragedy and an enormous loss to the world of poetry was bound to occur.
Rich
’s Life And Career–by Deborah Pope Essay, Research Paper Deborah Pope There is no writer of comparable influence and achievement in so many areas of the contemporary women’s movement as the poet and theorist Adrienne Rich.
The Picture Of Dorian Essay Research Paper
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is the story of moral corruption by the means of aestheticism. In the novel, the well meaning artist Basil Hallward presets young Dorian
Art And Science Which One Is More
Righteous? Essay, Research Paper Art and Science: Which one is More Righteous?Time after time, society has placed stereotypes on different personas. One common stereotype involves the scientist and the artist. Scientists and artists have been labeled extreme opposites in their pursuits of truth and understanding.
Poem Explication Of As I Walked
Out One Even Essay, Research Paper The poem As I Walked Out One Evening by W.H. Auden is comprised mostly of a conversation between A Lover and Time. While the Lover believes that his love will never end or fade, Time is determined to show him how love can be worn down and exhausted throughout a lifetime until there is nearly nothing left.The Lover: The lover believes, as his first words state, that love has no ending.
Modern Man
– The Unknown Citizen (Auden) Essay, Research Paper The English-born American writer Wystan Hugh Auden was one of the most important poets of the 20th century. Educated at Oxford, he attracted attention as a prominent member of a group of young leftist writers who generally expressed a socialist viewpoint.