The Merchant of Venice
Shylock is one of the most debated characters in all of literature — part villain, part victim — and the play forces you to confront how societies treat outsiders they depend on.
“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?”
Why It Matters
Shylock is one of the most debated characters in all of literature — part villain, part victim — and the play forces you to confront how societies treat outsiders they depend on. Shakespeare wrote a comedy that doubles as an uncomfortable mirror for antisemitism and the price of mercy. It has been performed, banned, and argued about for 400 years because it refuses to let anyone off the hook.
The 
Take
Personal reviewThis one’s a banger. All that glitters is not gold is such a classic line. The story itself just flowed really well. Shylock got really screwed over. Hard to tell if it’s really anti semitic or Shakespeare just commenting on the times, but it’s depicting the realistic hatred for sure. The rings part is great. Shylock has some awesome lines , and the backdrop of the iron law of Venice is cool too. Banger
Notable Quotes
“The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath.”
“All that glisters is not gold.”