Posted by Steve P. on December 08, 1998 at 22:27:59:
In my Shakespeare cl, my professor told us how Portia is often seen as a redeeming, Christ-like savior figure, becauase she saves Antonio from Shylock. I was wondering if anyone thought that a better Christ-like figure would be Antonio. First, he sacrifices all for the sake of his friend Banio, and because of that has to prepare for death because of his sacrifice. Also, could Antonio's trial be compared to Christ's trial before Pilate? I thought that Shylock, being Jewish, represented the accusing Pharisees, who were also Jewish, and the disguised Portia was a stand-in for Pilate, albeit a benevolent Pilate who does not end up giving Antonio over to the likes of Shylock. I don't know...I guess I saw the sacrifice on the part of Antonio and his separation from the rest of the characters, along with his trial, as a comparison to Christ, even though he did not die in the end, like Christ did. Any comments? Just curious. Thanks!