Language (The Merchant of Venice)
This section looks at the language used in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. The language used in The Merchant of Venice is crucial to understanding its themes and character development. Shakespeare’s use of verse, prose, imagery, and symbolism deepens the play’s exploration of justice, mercy, love, and prejudice.
The Language used in The Merchant of Venice
Verse and Prose
Shakespeare uses blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) for most of the play’s important speeches, particularly for characters of higher status like Antonio, Portia, and Shylock.
Prose is used by lower-status characters, such as Lancelot Gobbo, and in more informal or comic moments, as seen in some of the scenes between Bassanio and his friends.
The shift between verse and prose highlights differences in class, mood, and tone. For example, Gratiano, a comic and lively character, often speaks in prose, reflecting his more relaxed, humorous personality.
Rhetoric and Persuasion
Characters often use rhetorical techniques to persuade or influence others, particularly in key moments of conflict.
Portia’s “quality of mercy” speech in the courtroom scene is a master class in persuasive rhetoric. She uses parallelism, repetition, and appeals to Christian values to convince Shylock to show mercy: “The quality of mercy is not strained / It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven”.
Shylock’s speech, “Hath not a Jew eyes?”, is also rich in rhetoric, using rhetorical questions and repetition to challenge the prejudice he faces: “If you prick us, do we not bleed?”. This powerful speech humanises Shylock, inviting the audience to reflect on the shared humanity between Jews and Christians.
Imagery
Wealth and materialism: Much of the play’s imagery revolves around gold, money, and wealth. For example, the casket test uses gold, silver, and lead caskets to symbolise outward appearances versus inner worth. Gold is often associated with greed and deception, as seen when the Prince of Morocco incorrectly chooses the gold casket, believing it represents Portia’s beauty and wealth.
Animals: Animal imagery is frequently used to dehumanise Shylock. Gratiano refers to him as a “currish Jew” and a “dog”, reflecting the prejudice he faces. Similarly, Shylock uses animal imagery to emphasise his hatred for Antonio: “If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge” – equating Antonio’s treatment of him to that of an animal.
Bonds and flesh: The imagery of bonds and flesh is central to the play’s exploration of justice and revenge. Shylock’s demand for a pound of Antonio’s flesh is both literal and metaphorical. The pound of flesh symbolises the extreme consequences of a legal bond that prioritises strict justice over mercy.
Symbolism
The three caskets: Gold, silver, and lead symbolise different values, with the correct choice (the lead casket) representing the importance of inner worth over outward appearance. The casket test serves as a metaphor for the theme of appearance versus reality, as the suitors must look beyond wealth and beauty to win Portia’s hand.
The pound of flesh: This symbol is a key representation of justice, revenge, and mercy. Shylock’s insistence on taking a pound of Antonio’s flesh reflects his desire for revenge and his belief in the strict application of justice. The eventual refusal to allow this punishment illustrates the importance of mercy in the resolution of the play’s conflicts.
Rings: The rings given by Portia and Nerissa to their husbands symbolise loyalty and trust. When Bassanio and Gratiano give away their rings, it tests the strength of their relationships. The ring subplot reflects the theme of trust and loyalty in marriage and friendship.
Repetition and Wordplay
Shakespeare often uses repetition to highlight key ideas and emotions. For instance, Shylock repeats “I will have my bond” several times, showing his obsession with the legal agreement and revenge.
Puns and wordplay: Gratiano and Lancelot Gobbo often engage in humorous wordplay, adding a lighter tone to the play. Lancelot’s puns and malapropisms (misusing words humorously) provide comic relief, while Gratiano’s quick wit keeps the tone lively and contrasts with the more serious themes.
Christian vs. Jewish Language
Christian language in the play often emphasises mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. For example, Portia’s speech in the courtroom focuses on the Christian virtue of mercy: “It blesseth him that gives and him that takes”.
Jewish language is associated with the law and justice. Shylock speaks of his adherence to the bond and legal agreements, reflecting his belief in justice and the law: “I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of my bond.” His language is more legalistic and precise, contrasting with the Christian characters’ focus on mercy.
