African Americans And The Abolition Of Slavery - 1177 Words

Although it has been over 150 years since the abolishment of slavery in America, its effects are still present to this day. Racism lurks in the minds of many Americans whether they are aware of it or not. This negatively effects African Americans in many ways. An example of such is increased stress which leads to negative health outcomes in African Americans such as low birth weights, and low life expectancies. Since they have worse health outcomes compared to their racial counterparts, one would expect them to be seen by physicians more. However, they also have decreased access to healthcare because of these health disparities. In addition, once they are finally able to see the doctor, they again have to deal with racism. Although we as a society hold doctors to a higher value of expectations and morals, they are still average human beings. In consequence, they too can have unconscious racist bias towards their patients. This has been confirmed by numerous studies and could be why A frican Americans are less likely to go to the doctor when ill. For example, in a study done by Harvard University, it was found that African American patients with pneumonia were only 32% likely to receive an antibiotic within 6 hours of admission as opposed to 53% of other Medicare patients with pneumoniaINSERT SOURCES HERE. In a societal viewpoint, this issue must be addressed. We must find a way to decrease unconscious bias towards patients. One way this can be done is by having doctorsShow MoreRelatedThe Role of African-Americans in the Abolition of Slavery683 Words   |  3 PagesPresentation: The role of African-Americans in the abolition of slavery According to Ira Berlins essay The role of African-Americans in the abolition of slavery, despite the role of slavery in causing the American Civil War, Northerners and Southerners alike did not envision slaves having a viable role in fighting for their freedom. However, as the war progressed, it became increasingly clear that slaves could play a role in the conflict to help the Northern side. The Emancipation ProclamationRead MoreTo What Extent Were African-American Slaves â€Å"Free† After the Abolition of Slavery by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863? What Challenges Did They Face After Their Emancipation?2378 Words   |  10 PagesAbstract: To what extent were African-American slaves â€Å"free† after the abolition of slavery by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863? What challenges did they face after their emancipation? This is a subject of continued interest. History is rife with records of decades of untold torture and harrowing experiences. African-American slaves suffered at the hands of their captors and masters. They were denied all natural rights as human beings and forced to live like animals. A slave was viewedRead MoreDear Righteous Reformer Admissions Committee1439 Words   |  6 Pagesvalues for its white majority. African Americans, held in bondage for economic exploitation, were robbed of the principles of democracy and freedom so championed by the United States. This dissonance in American rhetoric was omnipresent, for slavery was a constant and fundamental aspect of life in both the North and South for decades. This duplicity of American equality was not lost on all whites, and a growing sect of reformers arose to combat the wrongs of African enslavement. These reformers coalescedRead MoreThe abolition of slavery in Africa and the Middle East Essay1003 Words   |  5 PagesThe abolition of slavery in Africa and the Middle East can be seen from different perspectives. One of them, it is from the international pressure to abolish slavery in Africa and Middle East. The British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, was one of the most active institutions in looking for suppression of slavery, in India, Africa and the Middle East.2 They pushed to British government to take direct actions in abolish Indian slavery, and indirect actions on non-European regions were slavery wasRead MoreThe Abolition Movement Of The American Revolution1575 Words   |  7 PagesAfter the American Revolution, numerous amounts of slaves were freed and began to express their indignation towards slavery and racial discrimination. Abolitionists believed that slavery was immoral and illegal and supp orted these ideas with the two most important laws at that time, the Bible and the Constitution. Although the ideals between abolitionists were similar, their means of bringing slavery to an end were completely different. The late 1830’s brought the distinction of tactics between radicalRead MoreThe Path to Aboliton 1312 Words   |  5 Pagespolitical minds of Americans striving to influence the participation of the abolition movement. One of the many strategies used by American abolitionists was the use of slave narratives. This moral persuasion was a very useful tactic. The creation of these narratives helped white northerners identify with the mindset of an African American slave in the south. The narratives illustrated the experiences slaves overcame to find freedom. Another major strategy that was useful to the slavery movement was theRead MoreSlavery And The Civil War1706 Words   |  7 PagesAbraham Lincoln once said, â€Å"A house divided against itself cannot stan d.† In the 1800s, the American nation was slowly becoming a house divided against itself. The United States were no longer united, mainly over the issue of slavery. In fact, many historians believe that, â€Å"From the nation’s founding, the issue of slavery threatened to tear the United States apart.† (â€Å"The Civil War† 1). The issue of slavery was always kept at bay through the utilization of various compromises; however a permanentRead MoreRole of the Mexican-American War in Bridging the Gap between the Abolitionist Movement and the Civil War815 Words   |  3 PagesABOLITION TO SECESSION VIA MEXICAN AMERICAN WAR 1 The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) marked a midpoint in U.S. history that bridged the gap between the abolitionist movement and the Civil War, which is not always recognized but is in some ways still with us today. Teacher Eric Burnett, for example, outlines a long list of catalysts leading up to the Civil War itself but omits the Mexican-American war even though the Civil War catalysts go back through the 1840s all the way back to Eli WhitneyRead MoreSlave Trade Abolition Of Britain And United States Essay1298 Words   |  6 PagesSlave Trade Abolition in Britain and United States Introduction In America, slavery began when African slaves were forcefully brought to work for the production of profitable crops like tobacco. The slavery was practiced all over the American colonies in 17th and 18th centuries. These slaves helped in building the economy of the new nation. Invention of cotton solidified the belief that more workers were needed to work in the farm and ginnery. By middle of 19th century, the Americans westward expansionRead MoreSlavery And Its Effects On Slavery889 Words   |  4 PagesSlavery Slaves suffered within a system characterized by undernourishment, overwork, harsh punishment, ill health, and despair. The purpose of this paper is to address the significant problems slavery caused the world in which talk of rights and liberties were increasingly popularized. Slavery divested lives of many African Americans who were sold into enslavement for many years. The Start of Slavery Slavery began when the African American people were brought to Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619. Hundreds

Essay on Democracy and Jacksonian Democrats - 817 Words

Jacksonian democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. In light of the documents and your knowledge of the 1820s and 1830s, to what extent do you agree with the Jacksonians view of themselves? Jacksonian democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. In light of the documents and your knowledge of the 1820s and 1830s, to what extent do you agree with the Jacksonians view of themselves? AP AM HISTORY DBQ 4 - (An A+ Essays Original Paper, written by Zoo Patrol) Jacksonian Democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the United†¦show more content†¦Another principle of the Jacksonian Democracy was the rotation system. Jackson limited a persons stay in office to just one term, and then appoint another in his place. Jacksonian Democrats believed that any American was capable of holding government office. Jackson also said that if a man were to hold office for a lengthy period of time, he would be capable of tolerating conduct from which an unpracticed man would revolt. Along with rotation, the Jacksonian Democrats reestablished the spoils system. Jackson fired any previous office holder who was not a loyal Democrat. He would then appoint a Democrat to that position. The spoils system and rotation were advances toward greater political democracy, because they showed that one man is just as good as another is. In addition to creating a more democratic country, Jackson also tried to establish equal economic opportunity for the people of America. The best example of this is the vetoing of the charter of the Bank of the United States. The bank was a huge monopoly. It was ran by aristocrats, most of which were from England. Nicholas Biddle, who was the president of the bank, often used funds from the bank to lend money to the members of Congress, thus wining their support. In his veto message, Jackson wrote, It is to be regretted that rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their selfish purposes. ThisShow MoreRelatedJacksonian Dbq Essays1637 Words   |  7 PagesJacksonian Democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the United States Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. However, the Jacksonian Democrats were in a catch 22. In order for them to protect the interests of the common man, they at times had to violate the very things for which they stood. By doing this, the Jacksonian Democrats stressed the importance of the power of the common man, at times by violating their own principles. TheRead MoreJacksonian America Essay1150 Words   |  5 Pages1820-1830, Jacksonian Democrats created a vastly popular political party. They were, of course, led by Andrew Jackson, a war hero and a man of the people. Jacksons followers who created the party were also for the people. Such ideals were shown throughout various times within the period. The democrats were essentially guardians of the United States Constitution and, similarly, were protectors of individual liberties. In addition to this, the Jacksonian Democrats promoted political democracy, and alsoRead MoreJacksonian Democracy Dbq Essay1198 Words   |  5 PagesKathy Dai M. Galvin AP USH Period 1 Jacksonian Democracy DBQ The Jacksonian democracy of the 1820s-1830s is often associated with an expansion of the political influence, economic opportunities, and social equality available to â€Å"the common man,† a concept of the masses which President Andrew Jackson and his newly founded Democratic party came to represent. The new administration certainly saw gains for the majority; namely, public participation in government increased to unprecedentedRead MoreThe Importance Of Jacksonian Democracy722 Words   |  3 PagesAndrew Jackson, war hero, man of the people, and seventh president of the United States of America led the Jacksonian Democrats; this political group was formed antebellum America. The democrats tried to aggrandize the puissance of lower classes, Americans that did not have as many opportunities unlike the aristocracy. While decreasing the clout of the rich and potent. Economically, they achieved benefits from governing during a period where huge advances in transportation, which ultimately acceleratedRead MoreAndrew Jackson And The Influence Of The Jacksonian Democracy1259 Words   |  6 Pagespolitician Andrew Jackson. The Democrats believed in a limited federal government and supported giving more power to the states. The economic monopolies in the East concerned the Democrats, they wanted equal opportunity for white males in the South and West. By the presidential election in 1828, new amendments to voting qualifications allowed more white males to vote. With support from this new population of voters, Jackson swept the election, dawning the Jacksonian Era that lasted until the end ofRead MoreAccelerated US History911 Words   |  4 Pagesbenevolent democracy. Jackson’s supporters, the Jacksonians, were as diverse as they were numerous; northern farmers, southern and western yeomen, and even urban immigrants all joined the ranks of the Champion of the Common Man (OI). During Andrew Jackson’s two terms, the state of Jacksonian Democr acy that took form upheld the principles of equality and majority rule that bound the United States together politically, economically and socially. During the 1820s and 1830s, Jacksonians served as guardiansRead MoreJacksonian Democracy1151 Words   |  5 PagesTopic: Jacksonian Democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the United States Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. In light of the following documents and your knowledge of the 1820s and 1830s, to what extent do you agree with the Jacksonians view of themselves? Andrew Jackson began a whole new era in American history. Amongst his greatest accomplishments were evoking the common man to be interested in government and tailoringRead More AP HISTORY-Jacksonian Democracy Essay676 Words   |  3 PagesDBQ: Jacksonian Democracy Jacksonian democracy was created during the antebellum America. The Jackson democrats made an attempt to grant power to the lower classes while decreasing the influence of the rich and potent. The Jacksonian democrats viewed themselves as saviors of the common people and ruled by the means of a powerful executive branch who attempted to destroy aristocracy in America. In reality, they were typically very wealthy, they disregarded the capability of the federal governmentRead MoreEssay on Jacksonian Democracy755 Words   |  4 PagesJacksonian Democracy Jacksonian democracy was created during antebellum America. The Jackson democrats attempted to aggrandize the puissance of lower classes poor while decreasing the influence of the rich and potent. Economically, they benefited from governing during a time of paramount advances in transportation, which boosted commerce and helped the common man. Politically, they invested power into an overwhelmingly powerful executive branch. The Jacksonian democrats portrayed themselves asRead MoreAnalysis Of The War Hero After The Battle Of New Orleans934 Words   |  4 PagesNovember 2015 APUSH DBQ: Jacksonian Democrats Andrew Jackson became known as the war hero after the Battle of New Orleans. His victory over the Indians in the battle helped his public recognition and increased his popularity in society. In the election of 1820, Andrew Jackson ran for presidency and won with flying colors. Jackson’s humble background gave him an edge over other candidates - he was the voice for the â€Å"common man† and endorsed the idea of national democracy. His years in office was named

Quadrat Summary Essay Example For Students

Quadrat Summary Essay The drum kit is a percussion music instrument made up of various drums and percussion instruments played by one person the most common standard drum kit used today consists of a range of drums and cymbals the high tom, mid tom, floor tom, snare drum, bass, hi-hat, ride and the crash. The drum kit is an instrument that does not produce a melody but usually goes alongside other instruments that can create a melody. drummers also often extend their kits, adding other drums and often pitched percussion instruments such as cowbells. history The drum kit started out in 1865 at the end of the american civil war in marching bands where multiple people held drums and marched, playing alongside the band. After the american civil war ended many drummers started to experiment using two drums, a bass and snare, that was know as double drumming. Double drumming became popular in orchestras and theatres and was often used in dance bands where the drummer could sit still. In 1890 many drummers gained pedals for their bass drum so that they could play their snare and bass together and more efficiently. At that time in america ragtime was very popular and drummers experimented with improvisation and with many immigrants going into america they adopted new items to add to their kits such as the chinese tom and cymbal that turned into items that drummers use today. In 1909 the ludwig pedal was created and is extremely similar to the pedal we use today with the spring to hold it down and pedal attached, but before that pedals often overhung the drum and were hard to operate and clumsy so the pedal was a big advancement. In 1913 as other instruments had no amplifiers drummers needed to make their drumming quieter so they used brushes that were then known as fly swatters because people used them to swat flies, this caught on and gradually became its own style. Over the years more items were added to the kit such as the cymbals and drums became what they are today. Well Known players Ringo Starr, the drummer for the well known band the beatles. Chad Smith, the current drummer of the red hot chili peppers. John Bonham, the drummer of led zeppelin. Hip Hop Hip hop music today rarely goes without a drum beat of some sort. Most songs include electronic computer generated beats but can also be played on the drum kit. They often use clapping sounds or similar instead of a snare drum and mostly play repeated loops of a beat with small variations. So feared and rippled with every drop of blood. The ground grumbled and shivered as the escalators rolled into the unknown. Every jalt and movement sent shivers along her spine whilst the demons stood below and watched her. Following her every move and giving her thrills. The tracks creaked as the monster reached into the station and sped past her like a scythe wielded by the devil himself. She pounded onto the strips of metal, shimmering in the darkness and flew along the spine of the earth her heart pounding and gushing, racing the beast that sped above her. In a split second it was gone into the black hole, she could not see it but could sense another one and braced herself before her rush and in the same moment as the train hit the air in front of her she leaped onto the underside of the beast and felt the heavy air hit her at full speed. Her cloak of silk smoothened out and her bloodshot eyes gleamed in the darkness before her. Then she fell, her body twisted and writhed before hitting the floor and she awoke seconds later in the darkness and stumbled off back into the gloom. Away from the world and the fear and the tunnel. .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .postImageUrl , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:hover , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:visited , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:active { border:0!important; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:active , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Enjoyment of Music Section Summary EssayAs her paws plodded along the dusty surface, passers by stared up at her then walked by. The night grew darker and she sat there as still as her shadow. Once the streets were deserted, and night was at its full power, she relaxed her eyes and made her way down into the gloominess of the underground. Her whiskers flexed and twitched with the lights flickering and making forms in the puddles that she so feared and rippled with every drop of blood. The ground grumbled and shivered as the escalators rolled into the unknown. Every jalt and movement sent shivers along her spine whilst the demons stood below and watched her. Following her e very move and giving her thrills. The tracks creaked as the monster reached into the station and sped past her like a scythe wielded by the devil himself. She pounded onto the strips of metal, shimmering in the darkness and flew along the spine of the earth her heart pounding and gushing, racing the beast that sped above her. In a split second it was gone into the black hole, she could not see it but could sense another one and braced herself before her rush and in the same moment as the train hit the air in front of her she leaped onto the underside of the beast and felt the heavy air hit her at full speed. Her cloak of silk smoothened out and her bloodshot eyes gleamed in the darkness before her. Then she fell, her body twisted and writhed before hitting the floor and she awoke seconds later in the darkness and stumbled off back into the gloom. Away from the world and the fear and the tunnel.

The Merchant of Venice Coursework Essay Shylock; Victim or Villain Example For Students

The Merchant of Venice Coursework Essay Shylock; Victim or Villain On the first reading of Shakespeares play, The Merchant of Venice, the character of Shylock the Jew seemed to me to be that of a villain. Because it is a play, an audience in Shakespeares time may well have thought the same and, indeed, may have been expected to do so. The reason for this is that Elizabethan audiences expected to be shown stereotypes and it is down to the skill of the dramatist to keep them guessing. As the play unfolds, the character of Shylock develops so that he can also be seen, by more discerning audiences, as a victim. Exploring this contrast between the two views is something I find very interesting. We will write a custom essay on The Merchant of Venice Coursework Shylock; Victim or Villain specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Throughout that part of the play in which he features, Shylock gives us many opportunities to see different aspects of the character that Shakespeare portrays, as I intend to show. Three thousand ducats. From Shylocks first words, Shakespeare shows him to be focussed on his job as a moneylender, which was one of the very few professions that Jewish men could have had in a Christian city. From the very beginning, an Elizabethan audience would have seen Shylock as a business man, driven by the unwavering desire for profit at the expense of the Christians whom he despises. When Bassanio comes to take out a loan in Antonios name, Shylock shows immediately that he will grant it I think I will take his bond. , but not for the reasons he gives to Bassanio. Although the Jew pretends friendship to the pair, I would be friends with you, and have your love, he is all the while plotting some way of ridding himself of Antonio, who, besides being a Christian, is a personal enemy of Shylock, How like a fawning publican he looks! I hate him for he is a Christian. This hatred, however, is not without a past. Shylock tells the audience how, by Antonios actions, his profits as a moneylender have been damaged, He lends out money gratis, and brings down the rate of usance. , and of how he has suffered on account of Antonios harsh words, You call me a misbeliever, cut-throat dog, and spit upon my Jewish gabardine. So even though Shylocks villainous side is on view, his hatred is not entirely without reason and with a thirst for vengeance such as his, you can see why he would feel the need for revenge. Shylocks apparent good humour lulls the two gentlemen into a false sense of security, so that when he insists on charging no interest, Antonio at least is not suspicious. Instead Shylock jokes with the pair saying that If you repay me not on such a day .. let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh. Even though his blood-thirsty bond shows Shylock to be both cruel and vindictive, I think that Antonios past actions are some justification for Shylocks attitude. Before Shylock leaves his house to attend Bassanios dinner party, he seems ill at ease. He calls for his daughter, Jessica, with strict instructions over her duties and her behaviour during his absence. Shylock seems unsure whether he should attend the supper, for he fears that in his absence something awful will happen, There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest, for I did dream of money bags tonight. , nevertheless he decides to go. The situation is made worse when Lancelot, who has recently left his job as Shylocks servant and has no reason to be afraid of him anymore, starts teasing the Jew about his premonitions and his wariness about leaving the house. It seems to me that Shylock leaving the house of an evening is a rare occurrence. Hear you me Jessica, lock up my doors. Shylocks obsession over every single detail shows his protectiveness of both his money and his daughter. Although this makes him seem very miserly, his reasons are understandable. As without his money he has no security nor any means of maintaining his social status. Shylocks attitude towards Jessica can be seen as either cruelty or over-protectiveness. I think it is the latter, mainly because in those days, it would be normal for a Jewish father with a daughter of marriageable age. On reading the play we can assume, because Jessica is the one managing the house and the fact that there is no reference to her mother being there, that she has had only her fathers attitude to relate to. In his turn Shylock would have had only the role-model of a traditional Jewish father to guide him. When he hears about the masque, Shylock immediately instructs Jessica to Stop my houses ears .. let not the sound of shallow foppery enter and not to thrust your head into the public street to gaze on Christian fools demonstrating his knowledge of how drunken young men might behave. Shylocks concerns however, are wasted on Jessica, who later that night plans to elope with Lorenzo, taking most of Shylocks money with her O Lorenzo .. I shall end this strife, become a Christian and thy loving wife. This dramatic irony may have proved entertaining to an Elizabethan audience, but it is really one of the worst things to happen to Shylock. To my mind, Act 2 Scene 8, where Shylock realises that Jessica has not only eloped, but taken a great deal of his money as well, seems to be one of the most tragic scenes in the play. This, however, is not its main purpose. In this scene the plot is moved forward, and the device used is two unimportant people, like a Greek chorus, telling us what has happened. The famous speech, My daughter! O my ducats! that is reported by Salarino and Solanio, serves to deflate Shylocks character, that had dominated the play before. Shylock had become hysterical. I never heard a passion so confused. As a result he has been made a public figure of fun, taunted by the boys of Venice as he wanders the streets, searching for his daughter. The way it is reported to the audience, is one that reinforces the Jewish stereotype: that he would value his money more than his daughter. Throughout this part of the scene, Shylock is never referred to by name, merely as the dog Jew or the villain Jew which is dismissive. The scene now looks forward to the parting of Antonio and Bassanio, as the two of them are separated. The reference to how deep the love is between them, and with affection wondrous sensible he wrung Bassanios hand, and so they parted. I think he only loves the world for him. , was added to lighten the mood, and to try to lift the doubt that has been set in the audiences mind after learning that a shipwreck has occurred in the Narrow Seas. This increases the dramatic tension, because if the ship belongs to Antonio then he will not be able to pay for the bond. This is especially worrying, as with Shylock raging for his lost daughter and money, he will have no qualms about exacting the penalty of a pound of flesh. This scene was used, I think, to create more of a contrast between the Jews and the Christians, and to increase the audiences dislike of Shylock. However, although Solanio and Salarino are trying to make Shylock look even more like a villain, the way they make fun of his loss and his grief, make him seem to me more a victim than ever. In Act 3 Scene 1, where Shylock next appears, his true character shows through most clearly. At the beginning, Solanio and Salarino confirm, that it was indeed one of Antonios vessels that was wrecked in the English Channel, and that they are concerned for him. When Shylock enters, the two men immediately begin to taunt and bait him, How now, Shylock, what news among the merchants? . .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .postImageUrl , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:hover , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:visited , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:active { border:0!important; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:active , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: How would you direct Act3 Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet for a contemporary audience at the Globe Theatre EssayFirst they try to get him to react to Jessicas flight, I for my part knew the tailor that made the wings she flew withal,. Then they press him on the fact that he appears to have lost his investment in Antonios ship, not realising that it is really the pound of flesh he desires, It will feed my revenge. . Knowing that Shylock is feeling vulnerable, they persistently harass him until he loses his temper. When Shylock does react, the duo get a lot more than they had bargained for. Beforehand Shylocks obsession with his bond has been showing through, underlining his thi rst for Antonios blood. He says repeatedly, Let him look to his bond. . When Shylock can stand it no longer, he makes one of the most famous speeches in the entire play, beginning I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? It is a speech that, to an Elizabethan audience, would have been years ahead of its time, looking at racism from an almost modern perspective. The effect was that although Solanio and Salarino managed to achieve what they had wanted in provoking Shylock, they actually ended up looking like fools, with Shylock as the more powerful character. When the pair leave, it is the signal for Shylocks associate, Tubal, to enter, bringing yet more bad news. After searching for news of Jessica, Tubal returns with what he has found, I often came where I did hear of her, but cannot find her. The way Shylock reacts to these tidings is to curse Jessica, I would my daughter were dead at my feet, and mourn the loss of his money and jewels, rather than her flight. I think that this is mainly because Shylock is still coming to terms with Jessicas betrayal and his mind is in a state of turmoil. Another reason however, could be that with the blow to his pride and the way he sees money as equal to status, he is covering up the hurt he feels inside by trying to give the impression to his fellow Jews that it is the money that is the greater loss. Tubal is an interesting character because you cannot tell whether he is on Shylocks side or not. Throughout the conversation he appears slightly two-faced, sometimes coming out with a piece of good news, other men have ill luck too. Antonio as I heard , at which Shylock becomes jubilant, I thank thee, good Tubal: good news a ha, and sometimes being very spiteful, Your daughter spent in Genoa, as I heard, one night four score ducats. Which instantly depresses Shylock again, Thou stickst a dagger in me. This scene initially shows Shylock as victim, owing to Salarino and Solanios taunts. This is emphasised by Tubals snide comments, more surprisingly as he is also a Jew. However the villainous aspect of Shylocks character also emerges. His words reveal his deep hatred of Antonio and the reason for them, I will have the heart of him if he forfeit, for were he out of Venice I can make what merchandise I will,. After it is found that all of Antonios ships have been wrecked, taking with them the means to repay Shylock, Antonio is taken to a prison to await trial. By way of the jailor, Antonio has managed to arrange a meeting with Shylock in the street, in the hope of reasoning with him, I pray thee hear me speak. Shylock of course is on the defensive, and as he believes that attack is the best form of defence, he is lashing out at any attempt of Antonios to reason with him, I will not hear thee speak in order to hide the vulnerability that he is feeling inside. In Solanios words, Shylock is an impenetrable cur and will not be moved from his resolution to have his pound of flesh. His reason well I know: I oft delivered from his forfeitures many that have at times made moan to me; therefore he hates me. This scene really sets out, the reasons why Shylock has such a hatred of Antonio. At this point, an Elizabethan audience would really see Antonio as the suffering martyr and would support him for his goodness and his bravery coupled with dry humour in the face of death, These griefs and losses have so baited me that I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh tomorrow to my bloody creditor. The reason that both Shylock and Antonio are so sure that the Jew will win his case is because in Venice, justice comes above even the Doge (or Duke) and that it is not prejudiced towards the many different races that flock to the City. The Duke cannot deny the law since that the trade and profit of the City consisteth of all nations. So even though Shylocks fixation on his bond is outwardly very villainous indeed, he is just trying to carry out the law, and his attitude is due to him being victimised in the past. Set in the courtroom of the Dukes palace in Venice, Act 4 scene 1 is the longest and most complex scene in the play. It brings together all the different characters and stories that have been developing throughout the play. Before Shylock has even entered the court, there is prejudice forming against him from the Duke and the friends of Antonio. Thou art come to answer a stoney adversary, an inhuman wretch. This should not have been allowed to happen as not even the Duke can go against the law and his judgement is supposed to be unbiased. I do oppose my patience with his fury and am armed to suffer with a quietness of spirit. Again Antonio is ingratiating himself with the audience and the people around him, in his portrayal of the goodly Christian. Whether or not he is sincere, it is hard to tell, but I am of the opinion that he is not as virtuous as we are led to believe, trying to get more support for his cause. This means that the people around him, as well as the audience, are bound to see Shylock as even more of a villain than they would in other circumstances. When Shylock does enter the courtroom, the Duke immediately begins to patronize him, I think so too, that thou but leadest this fashion of thy malice to the last hour of act giving the Jew a chance to drop the charges against Antonio, releasing him from the bond. This is the Dukes way of saying, all right Shylock, youve made your point, now let Antonio go and well say no more on the matter but as he had said a moment before, Shylock is Uncapable of pity, void and empty from any dram of mercy and so will not be swayed from his decision, and even if he did, it would be admitting that the Christians have won, which he would never do. The Duke then goes on to say, insensitively, Glancing an eye on his losses that have of late so huddled on his back not sparing a thought for the fact that Shylock too, has recently lost money and jewels. Here, although feeling sorry for Shylock as the victim of the Christians words, I feel repelled by the answer he gives to the Duke, Youll ask me why I rather choose to have a weight of carrion flesh than to receive three thousand ducats. Ill not answer that but say it is my humour. Also, if he just gives in, his pride will be damaged, and it goes against his instincts to just allow the Christians total victory. .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .postImageUrl , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:hover , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:visited , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:active { border:0!important; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:active , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Great Expectations an exciting opening to the story EssayAntonio at this point, has realised that it is fruitless to try and change Shylocks mind, You may as well do anything most hard as seek to soften that . his Jewish heart and does not want to satisfy Shylock by begging. Even when Bassanio offers the Jew six thousand ducats instead of three, Shylock replies that if the six thousand ducats were multiplied by six, he would still have his bond. Shylock also compares his bond with slavery, saying that if he told all those gathered there to Let them be free! Marry them to your heirs! that they would not, saying only that The slaves are ours. . His point is that he has bough t the bond, and it belongs to him, so why should their words make him give it up, arguing that If you deny me, fie upon your law I stand for judgement and that to deny him the bond would be breaking the law and going against all Venetian principles. So essentially, Shylock sees the advantages of hiding behind the law, which could be interpreted as the action of both a villain and a victim, but to me it is merely a tactical decision. The Duke decides that, unless a doctor that he has sent for to determine the matter comes, then he will dismiss the court. Nerissa, dressed as a lawyers clerk, then enters, bringing with her letters from Bellario. While the Duke reads these letters, Shylock, so confident of winning his case, is sharpening his knife in anticipation. This is a very threatening gesture, and to do that in the middle of the courtroom, in front of all those people, he must have known that with the law on his side, there was no way that he could lose. Gratiano especially takes great offence at this, and asks in anger and desperation Can no prayers pierce thee? Shylocks calm and collected reply, No, none that thou hast wit enough to make is unpleasant. Portia, in the guise of the lawyer Balthazar, then asks that Shylock be merciful, but is silenced by Shylocks On what compulsion must I? . Her silence however is short-lived and she immediately launches into her famous speech, beginning The quality of mercy is not strained, This speech, for Shylock, is the ultimate test of character and draws heavily on what Portia sees to be the values of Christianity. She tells how Mercy is above this sceptred sway meaning that mercy is a God-given gift, rather than the privilege of kings, and that we are most like God when we are being merciful, It is an attribute to God himself, and earthly power doth then show likest Gods when mercy seasons justice. Although this is a highly compassionate speech, it falls on deaf ears, My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of my bond, which has an echo of the trial of Jesus Christ. When Shylock says the line, An oath, an oath. I have an oath in heaven! Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice he is bound to be seen as either victim or villain by different people, as to break an oath to heaven would be perjury, but might also be seen as an excuse. Shylock continues to show the villainous side of his character throughout the scene, saying such things as, By my soul I swear there is no power in the tongue of man to alter me. Also, from the moment Portia has arrived in the courtroom, she has given Shylock the opportunity to be merciful, Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, to stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death. but every time Shylock has thrown it back in her face, I cannot find it, tis not in the bond always, completely fixated on the bond. Tarry a little just as Shylocks knife is about to enter Antonios chest, Portia comes out with her master-stroke. In the bond there is no clause that allows, in the taking of the forfeit, the spilling of any of Antonios blood. At this, Shylock suddenly becomes quite afraid as he sees that his case is failing, and we begin to see the stronger side of Portia, and the cruelty with which she intends to thwart Shylock, Thou shalt have justice more than thou desirest. Shylock realises that he must renounce his claim, but Portia uses his own words against him, pushing him so that he loses both his revenge and the money Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture, to be so taken at thy peril, Jew From a gloating man, triumphant in the prospects of revenge, Portia has stripped Shylock of all he hoped to gain, and still she is not satisfied. Finally, Shylock is forced to become a Christian. This is the worst possible thing that could happen to Shylock. Even though Antonios action is supposedly merciful I dont think he realises that he has just destroyed the very essence of who Shylock is. Now, not only his daughter and much of his money have been taken from him, but his religion and his pride. When he utters the words I am content I feel so much sympathy for him as a victim, and he leaves the courtroom humiliated, a broken man. The difference between the views of a 16th century audience and a 21st century audience is that first and foremost, we in the 21st century have had the opportunity to read and study the script, whereas in Elizabethan times, the audience would have been swung first one way then the other as the plot unfolded. Nowadays we also have very different views on how to behave, for example, racial prejudice is recognized and controlled by law, unlike then, where it was acceptable for people to make racist comments. Portia herself openly says of Morocco Let all of his complexion choose me so. From a 16th century audiences point of view, not much would actually be known about other races, therefore Shylock as an outsider, would be seen as more of a villain. Overall I think that Shakespeare intended Shylock to be seen as a villain, because he knew that that was what would please his audience, but he has written a complex character, that is bound to raise questions from the more thoughtful members of any audience, for instance, when Antonio sentences him to become a Christian, he knows that Shylock will no longer belong to the Jewish community, but will never be able to belong to the Christian community either a paper Christian. What is interesting is that those who compel him to conform, in this case Portia and Antonio, are as much paper Christians as he is, for example, in her long speech, Portia talks at length of the quality of mercy, yet when she might have shown mercy to Shylock, she carried on, until she had taken from him all he held dear. In my opinion, I believe that it is impossible to separate victim and villain as they are not opposites. They overlap, and so I cannot define the character of Shylock as one or the other, as there is evidence of both, although I think that is what Shakespeare himself was thinking when he wrote the part.