Posted by guest on July 25, 1998 at 16:30:20:
In Reply to: help? posted by Kristin Crane on July 09, 1998 at 15:38:30:
I saw a wonderful production that had Shylock as a sympathetic character. It emphasized his love for his daughter and his earnest attempt to work with Antonio (in the beginning). His reaction to losing his beloved daughter (and only child), his beloved deceased wife's ring and a large portion of his fortune to a bunch of hypocritical Christians was enough to push him past his usual peaceful nature ( as shown in his deal with Antonio) toward revenge, as allowed by law. Notable is the fact that he didn't try to have Antonio killed, but rather wanted him killed by the law. Basically, he was trying to give the "Christians" as good as he got. I don't mean to say that we have to see the Christians in the play as bad, but merely human-- just like Shylock. That's what makes them all sympathetic.
When in the 19th Century?