The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most problematic plays largely because of what
is seen as its inherent anti-semitism. At the centre of the play is one of the most famous
anti-heroes in Shakespeare: Shylock 'the Jew'. How to interpret Shylock baffles critics as they
divide on whether Shakespeare is prejudiced or sympathetic. The Merchant of Venice is one of
Shakespeare's most problematic plays largely because of what is seen as its inherent
anti-semitism. At the centre of the play is one of the most famous anti-heroes in Shakespeare:
Shylock 'the Jew'. How to interpret Shylock baffles critics as they divide on whether
Shakespeare is prejudiced or sympathetic.
