Describe Idealism and Reality in Merchant of Venice (Essay Sample)

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Idealism and Reality in Merchant of Venice
Merchant of Venice provides insightful viewpoints to the cultural dynamics of life. Different cultures shape people’s thinking and behavior. This is an evident phenomenon in Merchant of Venice. Beliefs from past cultures have transformed into behavioral patterns which are part of the definition of some characters. The same happens in the society today and as such, literature reflects the human perspective of life. A cultural view of life with regard to Merchant of Venice is herein argued out to determine the standpoint that this piece of literature provides the modern society.
Christianity is one of the cultures portrayed in the Merchant of Venice. The other significant culture showcasing itself is Jewish. The two are religions but it is common knowledge they influence how their followers think. Shylock is a Christian in Merchant of Venice while Antonio is a Jew. A huge disparity is evident in the way Shylock and Antonio operate their businesses. Shylock is money minded and greedy and imposes interests for maximal gain. On the other hand, Antonio gives interest free loans. In fact, Antonio starts with offering free interest loans to the ones he loves just to ensure he empowers them. Shylock is so obsessed with money that when one defaults he feels like going after them and repossessing what amounts to what he owes them. Christianity is pointed out as a culture that lacks a merciful appeal and self-centered.
Hatred looms in where Shylock considers Antonio a member of a religion and culture he does not recognize. The results is that Antonio humbles himself and continues doing his business as usual. Shylock continues to show more hate towards Antonio but the latter choses to ignore. At the end of the day, Antonio wins since he chose not to engage in a cultural trait if abusing or belittling others. Moreover, Shylock shows his greed and value for money explicitly without guilt. He is seen shouting “my daughter” in Act III when one of his clients does not pay him back. It shows that he compares his money to his daughter. This is habit that has transformed into a culture among the money minded people in the society. There are people who are willing to lose their loved ones for monetary gain.
Further, Shylock’s daughter goes on to give out a ring that was given by her late mother. Shylock considers his daughter’s move as insensible and economically unsound. Evidently, Shylock’s greed for money is unlimited and continues to show how people in the modern day life compare almost everything to ...