The Merchant Of Venice Act 3 Scene Analysis

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Name: Fu Shuning (10) Class: 202 Act 3 1. How has your understanding of either Shylock or Bassanio deepened in one or two scenes in this Act? 2. Discuss how your deepening understanding of either Shylock or Bassanio in this Act helps illuminate your understanding of a key theme in the play. 3. Do the ideas expressed in these scene(s) help you better understand yourself as well as our current society? Explain your stance. In Act 3 Scene 1, my understanding of Shylock has changed. At first, I thought of him to be a venomous character with no sense of affection or empathy. However, after his exclamation of how Christians and Jews are not that much different, it can be understood that Shylock is actually a victim of racism and prejudice. In line 54 to line 56 of Act 3 Scene 1, Shylock exclaims, "Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?" His sudden outburst of emotions reminds us that he is human too, and tells us that his character is actually being shaped by the society around him. In addition, he cries out "It was my turquoise; I had it of Lean when I was a bachelor. I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys" in Line 112 to 115 of Act 3 Scene 1 after he had found out about Jessica exchanging the ring for a monkey. As the ring belonged to his dead wife, it meant a lot to Shylock not because of its monetary value, but instead the sentimental value Shylock places on it. Through these parts of the text, Shylock