The Merchant of Venice can be classified as a tragedy because it contains the rather sinister elements generally found in tragedies and the play Antigone can be considered a tragedy, because of the severe consequences of the story’s proceedings. … In this play, Shylock is the tragic hero because he has a tragic flaw.
What is the tragic flaw of Merchant of Venice?
His tragic flaw (hamartia) was that he was so obsessed with revenge that he allowed it to destroy him. Shylock now fulfills the first component of an Aristotelian tragic hero. Having a hamartia may be the most important aspect of a tragic hero, Shylock must also have other properties.
Do you think that The Merchant of Venice is more tragic than comic?
Looking at The Merchant of Venice, through the above definitions we find that it can be classified as both a tragedy and comedy (tragicomedy). It shares features in common with comedies, but also contains the kind of dark elements we find in tragedies.
Why Is Shylock a tragic hero?
Shylock can be called a tragic hero because he is undone by a tragic flaw in the end. Being a Jew, Shylock is already shown to be “evil” to Christians. Mark you this, Bassanio, The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. … Vengeance also has a part in defining Shylock as a tragic hero.
Is Merchant of Venice a tragedy?
The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, does not fit the conventional definitions of a tragedy or a comedy. It is categorized as a comedy, although one of the two distinct plotlines is a tragedy.
Is Shylock an anti hero?
Shylock is a fictional character in William Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice (c. … A Venetian Jewish moneylender, Shylock is the play’s principal antagonist. His defeat and conversion to Christianity form the climax of the story.
Is Hamlet a tragedy?
Hamlet is one of the most famous tragedies ever written, and in many respects, it exhibits the features traditionally associated with the tragic genre. In addition to the play ending with the death of Hamlet and a host of others, Hamlet himself is a classic tragic protagonist.
Why is Merchant of Venice a comedy rather than a tragedy?
The Merchant of Venice is abounding with other typical Shakespearean comedy techniques like comic relief; humor that manifests itself in both situations and characters. The overall hilarity of the play is an ample reason to classify it as a comedy rather than a tragedy.
How Merchant of Venice is a tragic comedy?
‘The Merchant of Venice’ contains both tragic & comic elements. It also mingles the upper& lower class characters & there is a reversal of fortune. All these elements are typical of tragicomedy. Therefore, we can conclude that ‘The Merchant of Venice’ is a tragicomedy.
Who is the hero of Merchant of Venice?
Antonio is the protagonist and titular merchant in The Merchant of Venice. Antonio incites the central conflict of the play by accepting Shylock’s terms in order to secure a loan. Antonio wants to help Bassanio win Portia, and is willing to do anything to achieve this goal.
Is Shylock a villain or tragic figure?
One such character, Shylock, is portrayed as a villainous figure in the play ‘The Merchant of Venice’. But for various audience he is a tragic character acting villainously, victimised, as most Jews were at that time and driven to revenge because of the treatment he receives.
Why is Shylock the most important character in The Merchant of Venice?
Shylock is the most challenging and dramatic character in The Merchant of Venice. In his role as the antagonist, he engages in adversarial relationships with his fellow merchants and the play’s romantic partners.
What is the main message of Merchant of Venice?
The main theme of The Merchant of Venice is the conflict between self interest and love. On the surface level, the major difference between Shylock the Jew and the Christian characters of the play is their level of compassion.
Is Bassanio really in love with Portia?
Despite not knowing each other very well, Portia’s expressions prove that love can come quickly and unexpectedly. Portia highlights her true love for Bassanio by describing her sacrifice to save Antonio as an act of love for Bassanio.
What is the moral lesson of The Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice teaches us that we need financial means to support our family and live a comfortable lifestyle. At the same time, financial decisions must not be taken hastily, especially if you want to secure your family`s financial future and grow your wealth.