(54-57)
Shylock does make some valid points. Jews in Renaissance society were victims of prejudice. They were treated unfairly. But revenge is not a virtue of the true Christian, and hatred and spite are not aspects of Christian belief. Hatred and spite on either side will only contribute to further hatred, spite, prejudice, and revenge in the future. Moreover, and more importantly, Shylock is not just any Jew. He is not a model or representative of his race. Shylock is, purely and simply, a villain. As noted earlier, Shylock does not represent the typical Jew any more than the villain Iago (inOthello) represents all Christians. Shylock uses the plural pronoun “us” to refer to all Jews. But this is not a tale of Jews versus Christians.Itis a tale of Antonio versus Shylock. Shakespeare is not interested in making sweeping social statements. Rather, his focus is on character, on the individual, and on the dramatic tension that arises from the interaction of individualmen.
To remind the audience that the focus is on a rather extraordinary and despicable individual rather than on an entire race of people, Shakespeare then quickly follows the notable speech with