Just a Tragedy...

Thoughts after my Shakespeare course on yesterday:

CUT, CUT!! Alright, who decided that Shylock the Jew of The Merchant of Venice is a (black/dark) comedy? I do not agree that Shylock is a comedic villain, nor was he a buffoon. He was a victim of differences like so many people have been for centuries (and continue to be in many parts of the world). He was persecuted by the Christians for years and when the opportunity for revenge presented itself, he attempted to gain his comfort by abiding the law of those that sought to oppress him - solely because of his religion - the system failed him! Doesn't this sound familiar???
Granted, this play was written for entertainment purposes in the late 1500s in England. Many of the spectators would probably have identified more with the (hypocritical) Christian characters. In present day, I have to see the issues I believe Shakespeare was revealing in his thought-provoking play: hypocrisy in religion and law/court, the fault of pride and obsession, the evil nature of mankind, and how language functions in society. This play offers much truth and lacks humor, as Shylock is LEGALLY stripped of all that he defines himself by, all that he loves: his family, fortune, and faith. Not to mention the negative stigma attached with the disgrace of losing everything, on top of the influential dishonorable comments made, throughout the play, about him by many of the Christian characters.  How Christian is it to spread gossip about someone, compromise their business affairs with lies, and force them to confess their belief in Christ as the son of God? Excuse me if I was not distracted by the "comedic" scenes intertwined into the play that attempted to take away from the seriousness of Shylock's circumstances. A casket game, sarcasm, false accusations adultery, and ring exchanges are not my kind of LOL funny. Do not get me wrong -- I quiet enjoyed the play, but feel strongly that the play itself is a tragedy and not a comedy! On to the next play... Lights, Camera, Action!

Things to consider when I am teaching this tale...

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