The Merchant of Venice is perhaps most associated not with its titular hero, Antonio, but with the complex figure of the money lender, Shylock. The play was described as a comedy in the First Folio but its modern audiences find it more problematic to categorise. The vilification of Shylock 'the Jew' can be very uncomfortable for a post-holocaust audience and debates continue as to whether Shakespeare's portrayal of this complex man is sympathetic or anti-semitic.
John Drakakis' comprehensive introduction traces the stage history of the figure of the Jew and looks boldly at twenty-first century issues surrounding it. He also explores other themes of the play such as father/daughter relations, the power of money and the forceful character of Portia, to offer readers an energetic, original and revelatory reading of this challenging play.
Product code: 9781903436813
| ISBN |
9781903436813 |
| Dimensions (HxWxD in mm) |
H198xW129xS25 |
| Series |
The Arden Shakespeare Third Series |
| No. Of Pages |
480 |
| Publisher |
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
| On Sale Date |
01/05/2011 |