Merchant Of Venice Thrift Analysis

Thrift and Exposing Shylock

By utilizing alternate definitions of thrift, beyond the common meaning of “frugality [or] saving[s]” (OED), a reader of The Merchant of Venice can examine the motivations and flaws of the infamous, enigmatic character Shylock. Two arcane definitions of thrift will guide our exploration: prosperity (OED); and, earning and acquired wealth (OED). The three occurrences of the word thrift in the play reveal different facets of Shylock; but when examined further, the use of the word thrift also foreshadows the judgment Shylock ultimately receives. Examination of this word and its use in the play exposes Shylock and provides an avenue for the audience to relate to him as a flawed man.

Prosperity and Reputation

After giving a mythical example, devoid of explicit Christianity or Judaism, Shylock gives his approval of Jacob’s methods: “this was a way to thrive, and he was blest:/ And thrift is blessing, if men steal it not” (I.3.87). While using the story of Jacob to justify usury, Shylock is again revealing an entrenched connection between money and Jews. By referring to thrift as a blessing, Shylock is adding a religious connotation to his motivation. He displays before Bassanio and Antonio that he is a prosperous and respected individual whom they are approaching for money, and these, to Shylock, seem like a blessing from God because of his employment. Considering that thrive is the root of thrift, the two quoted phrases, looked upon in hindsight, reveal to the audience Shylock’s future curse. A shaded beginning to this could be when Antonio’s boats are lost and the interest is due. The inability of Shylock to collect that interest, thanks to the artful legal maneuvering of Portia, exposes him to an ultimate curse--the loss of reputation and wealth. However, the likely commencement of this prophecy is the loss of the blessing which Shylock is so proud of, he blames the Christians, since his converted daughter is the one who robs him. (Thrift is blessing, if daughters steal it not.) The loss of his possessions may be considered the point of no return in Shylock’s transactions with Bassanio. What was once a blessing is now curse when his thrift was stolen. His maddening

The last time that Shylock sees his daughter, before she runs away with Lorenzo, Shylock, in typical Shakespearean manner, gives he advice. “Fast bind, fast find;/ A proverb never stale in thrifty mind.” There is an obvious correlation from this proverb to the monetary. Shylock believes in holding on to, and protecting the things which he values and thus he considers himself a prosperous and lucky mind, since he has had wealth and power in society, despite the discrimination. His wisdom, which he places above that of the Christians—since the association with thrift and usury has already been clearing made—is something he prides in his daughter, since she is a wealthy Jew. Thus, beyond the fall of Shylock which was fore with been explored, Shylock, when losing his wealth with Jessica, he is without the wisdom he seems to think he himself has. He has come to what the audience saw, that he lost everything to those he hates. His one piece of advice to his family, to keep wealth with you and that gives you a wealthy mind, he loses. The last piece of himself which “[Christians] rail…on” (1.3.46) is lost to these same