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The Controversy Regarding The Trial Of Dr. Roderigo Lopez's Trial

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Introduction Dr. Roderigo Lopez’s trial is a well-known event that heavily indicated the presence of antisemitism in the 16th century. Many speculate that William Shakespeare's notorious play The Merchant of Venice was inspired by this infamous occurence (Weisz and Lippi). A strong correlation between themes in the trial and Shakespeare’s play is demonstrated through the discussion of controversy and prejudice, which is characterized by Dr. Roderigo Lopez and Dr. Shylock. The trial continues to be a complex and contentious subject to this day. However, to delve into comparisons with The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, we must first understand the impact Roderigo Lopez had on its time frame. Controversy Regarding the Trial of Dr. …show more content…

Roderigo Lopez’s perseverance through the trials of antisemitism is explored throughout the modern century. The strong impact of antisemitism influenced both individuals to a life-altering degree. These Jewish men both demonstrate perseverance while undergoing unfair treatment. If Dr. Roderigo Lopez were to enter the courts of Canada today, he would not be sentenced to execution due to the fact that there was no proof that he was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If Antonio did not have such great hatred towards Jews, Shylock’s punishment would not have affected his identity as much as it had. Both Dr. Roderigo Lopez and Shylock share the experience of outcasting in their own societies. Unfortunately, the cases led to an execution, and in Shylock’s case, an execution of religious identity. In summary, the Jews “lost” in both scenarios. The controversy surrounding cases of antisemitism has not ceased, as Walter Lacquer states in his book The Changing Face of Antisemitism: From Ancient Times to the Present Day, “religious antisemitism prevailed up to the second part of the nineteenth century and the racialist antisemitism that succeeded it and led to the mass murder of the Second World War.”

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