Dhyloxk

Dhyloxk

is presented in a fairly strict stereotype that was common in Europe at the time (and continued up through the World War II). Money—the gaining and keeping of money—is presented as the primary goal in the life of a Jew. This acquisition of money is usually presented as through less than honorable means, an unfair characterization that was based on the restrictions placed on Jews in the business world. One of the few areas open to Jews (and closed to Christians) was money-lending for interest, otherwise known as usury. For Christians, ursury was restricted because the practice was considered “unbiblical.” However, it was safe for Jews to practice usury because it was believed that they were going to hell anyway.
Anti-Semitism was a standard prejudice in Europe for centuries. Jews were subjected to the same discrimination that African Americans (among others) were in the United States prior to the Civil Rights era. Persecution was legal, accepted, and desirable. Shylock naturally resents the public humiliation that he has been subjected to by the Christians of Venice, especially by Antonio.
At this point, Shylock is faced with an attack on his Jewish heritage from two sources: Antonio and his daughter, Jessica. As a Christian, Antonio has joined with Venetian society in anti-Semitism. This is more understandable to Shylock than his daughter's actions are. By marrying Lorenzo, Jessica is required to renounce her family and her heritage and become a Christian by baptism. This double betrayal of his daughter and his faith increases his resentment and anger against Christian society, personified by Antonio.
In his rage against anti-Semitism, Shylock asserts his humanity and his equality with Christians. In the most famous passage from the play, Shylock bit by bit proclaims himself just as good, and just as bad, as any Christian. Physically he is the same. He is not a “lower order” of creature. He is subject to the same emotions, having the same hopes, dreams, and...