This is some continuing textual analysis.
SHYLOCK [Aside] How like a fawning publican helooks!
I hate him for he is a Christian,
But more for that in low simplicity
He lends out money gratis and brings down
The rate of usance here with us in Venice.
If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
He hates our sacred nation, and he rails,
Even there where merchants most do congregate,
On me, my bargains and my well-won thrift,
Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe,
If I forgive him!
Why does Shylock hate Antonio? "For he is a Christian." But is it that he hates the religion itself, or he hates how he is treated by anyone who calls themselves a Christian?
low simplicity = stupidity
"If I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him." So if he could win just this once, he'd be satisfied, and wouldn't hold a grudge anymore (it'd be paid off). Cycles of abuse here? Would he really be satisfied? Would getting back at Antonio really make him feel any better?
"He hates our sacred nation" So it's not just about Shylock; it's about his religion.
"And he rails on me." and it's personal. So Antonio has offended him 1) The Christian nation has never treated Jews well. 2) His business has suffered. 3) Antonio hates on Jews. 4) Antonio hates Shylock personally (and acts on it).
Catching on the hip:
http://books.google.com/books?id=BvdBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA233&lpg=PA233&dq=catch+him+upon+the+hip+etymology&source=bl&ots=RYnKdRHf-m&sig=rWccoqsD7MvkQ-ccKilzaIJLj38&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vu87T-76JuqdiQLxiZWUDA&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=catch%20him%20upon%20the%20hip%20etymology&f=false
This book talks about the phrase catching upon the hip as a wrestling move. If Shylock can get the upperhand move on Antonio, he can get his revenge.
Side note: this wiki page is pretty good for some major quotations.
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Merchant_of_Venice
Shylock says “cursed be my tribe” if he forgives Antonio. This refers to the 12 tribes of Israel. Many pieces of literature include typology relating the people to the children of Israel, so it’s interesting to see the actual Jewish comparison instead of the Christian typology.
In one of my other classes we were talkinga bout Abigail Levy Franks, a Jewish woman living in America and our professor, Professor Hutchins, discussed why Franks made comments about loving the equality she felt. He delved into the history of the Jewish people not being allowed in England at the time of Queen Elizabeth and the contention that was felt between the Christians and Jewish populations. It was really interesting to get his insight on things and if you're looking for more historical observations about the why Shylock reacted the way he did, it may be good to talk to him about some things. :)
ReplyDelete