Why does Shylock want a pound of flesh?

Why does Shylock want a pound of flesh?

Answer: Shylock insists on a pound of Antonio’s flesh to take revenge on him and to put him completely at his mercy. Shylock’s hatred for Antonio and Christians is shown in his absurd demand. Taking advantage of the situation, he wants to take revenge on Antonio and all Christians, who persecuted him and his race.

Who does Shylock want a pound of flesh from?

Antonio
Shylock is a Jew who lends money to his Christian rival Antonio, setting the security at a pound of Antonio’s flesh. When a bankrupt Antonio defaults on the loan, Shylock demands the pound of flesh.

What does Shylock say about the pound of flesh?

290A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine. The court awards it, and the law doth give it. A pound of this merchant’s flesh is yours. The court awards it and the law authorizes it.

What is the significance of a pound of flesh?

This phrase is a figurative method of expressing a spiteful penalty or a harsh demand – the consequences of non-payment on a distressed bargain. However, the usurer Shylock asks for a real pound of flesh as security when merchant Antonio comes and borrows money.

Did Shylock actually want money?

Essentially, Shylock wants Antonio’s flesh to satisfy his revenge and punish Antonio for the numerous times the merchant has wronged him. The reason he actually gives in demanding it is “to bait fish withal”.

What would Shylock do with Antonio’s flesh?

Shylock is a Jewish moneylender in Venice. Shylock offers to loan Antonio (and therefore Bassanio) the sum of 3000 ducats, but instead of charging any interest he says he will take one pound of Antonio’s flesh if the money is not repaid within three months. …

What will happen to Shylock if he takes anything more or less than exactly one pound of flesh?

Shylock shall have “nothing but the penalty” — “just a pound of flesh” — no more, no less. And if he takes even “in the estimation of a hair” more than a pound of flesh, he will die and all his goods will be confiscated.

Why did Shylock insist on having his pound of flesh?

Shylock ‘s primary motive for seeking a pound of Antonio ‘s flesh was to take revenge. At the time that Antonio signed the bond as surety for the loan Shylock made to Bassanio, the moneylender had no idea that Antonio would later experience misfortune and lose his ships.

What is the personality of Shylock?

First, during the beginning of the play, Shylock’s personality traits include very negative things such as greed and vindictiveness, which go along with the point of view of Antonio, Bessanio, Portia, and Gratiano, as well as Shylock’s daughter who flees the Jewish community for love.

Does Shylock take a pound of flesh from Antonio?

Shylock is a Jew who lends money to his Christian rival Antonio, setting the security at a pound of Antonio’s flesh . When a bankrupt Antonio defaults on the loan, Shylock demands the pound of flesh. This decision is fuelled by his sense of revenge, for Antonio had previously insulted,

What exactly is a “Shylock”?

The antagonist, Shylock, is an extremely religious man who lets his vengeance get the better of him. Throughout the play Shylock was constantly being treated badly because of his religion. Shylock is viewed as the villain in the play because he is a Jew but is actually the victim because of negative actions done onto him by others.