THEME
¨ Interpret the author's potential messages – what issues is the author exploring
¨ What are the abstract concepts which part of all of the play is "about?"
The play explores the following themes:
Love versus money
· Shylock chooses money over love, as demonstrated by the fact that when his daughter runs away he is he is preoccupied by the loss of his "ducats." He says, "I shall never see my gold again." He values her in terms of financial dealings and other materials ("precious jewels" "a diamond gone") instead of missing the girl herself.
· The three caskets that determine Portia's husband contain gold, silver and lead, but despite gold and silver having a higher monetary value, lead is the casket that Portia's picture is in, meaning the suitor who chooses lead will be able to wed Portia.
Taking risks on faith to achieve greater happiness
· Antonio and Bassanio risk being unable to pay off their debt to Shylock in order for Bassanio to seek the greater happiness derived from being Portia's husband
· Bassanio risks choosing the wrong casket and being exiled from Portia's company permanently for the chance to choose the right casket and be with Portia for the rest of his life.
Charity and mercy versus hatred and vengeance
· Antonio is willing to pay for Bassanio to go to Portia and try to marry her, whereas Shylock is unwilling to lend Bassanio the money on goof faith, and must instead have a promise of money or flesh from Antonio
· Portia is willing to lose large amounts of money to help Antonio pay off his debt to Shylock, even though she has never met Antonio. She simply believes him to be a good man, and knows that he means a great deal to her husband.
· Shylock is unwilling to move past his hatred and desire for vengeance when he has a chance to take a pound of Antonio's flesh. He demands the flesh despite offers of more than the amount of money he is owed, showing no mercy.
· When Shylock loses everything, Antonio offers him mercy, reinstating his fortunes and sparing his punishment, so long as Shylock converts to Christianity.
All of these themes can be contained within the overarching theme:
· Supposed Christian values versus Jewish values (or non-Christian values)
o Christians are supposed to value love over money, choosing to behave in charitable ways, and having great faith. They should not be greedy, ignoring self-interest in order to bring happiness to others. Also, they are supposed to be merciful, not wrathful, and choose love and forgiveness over hatred.
What this play is about:
These themes create a play that comments on what it takes to be a good person. Looking past the Christian/Jewish stereotypes of the time in which this was written, the characteristics that make a person a "good Christian" in this story are also ideals that make a good person in general. All of the themes represent different aspects of a good person, such as choosing love over money and greed, or choosing mercy over vengeance.