Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice: Shylock from edX

In the first act of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice , the Jewish moneylender Shylock proposes a “merry sport” to the merchant Antonio: he will lend Antonio the money he needs if Antonio agrees to let Shylock take a pound of his flesh should he default. Shylock calls this contract a “merry bond,” and Shakespeare’s First Folio calls the play a comedy. But what does Shylock want from the bond, and how merry does the play ultimately prove?

In this course, Harvard professor Stephen Greenblatt guides learners through an in-depth exploration of the character of Shylock. You'll learn about Jewish history in Europe, how early audiences might have responded to the play, and the history of the play’s production through the twenty-first century.

With short video lectures, readings from the play, and explorations of adaptations, you will develop critical tools with which to unlock the play's possible meanings.

If you're reading The Merchant of Venice for the first time, this course is a great introduction. If you're reading it for the hundredth time, it is the perfect chance to renew your understanding of one of Shakespeare’s most polarizing plays.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Discover sixteenth-century venice, the commercial hub whose multicultural landscape gives shape to the play
Analyze shylock, the jewish merchant: his moral ambivalence, his isolation from and connections to the other characters, and his troubling conversion
Situate the play in a long history of artistic representations of jews in the west, with attention to the problem of anti-semitism

Learn how the play, called a “comedy,” incorporates tragic elements that may prompt audiences to identify with shylock despite his outsider status
Weigh different responses to shylock over four centuries through the study of artifacts and interviews with authors, actors, and curators

Discover sixteenth-century venice, the commercial hub whose multicultural landscape gives shape to the play
Analyze shylock, the jewish merchant: his moral ambivalence, his isolation from and connections to the other characters, and his troubling conversion
Situate the play in a long history of artistic representations of jews in the west, with attention to the problem of anti-semitism
Learn how the play, called a “comedy,” incorporates tragic elements that may prompt audiences to identify with shylock despite his outsider status
Weigh different responses to shylock over four centuries through the study of artifacts and interviews with authors, actors, and curators

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores themes of anti-Semitism and prejudice, making it relevant to contemporary discussions of racism and discrimination

Offers a deep dive into Shakespeare's complex character, Shylock, fostering a nuanced understanding of his motivations and struggles

Taught by renowned Harvard professor Stephen Greenblatt, ensuring a high level of academic rigor and scholarly insights

Suitable for both novice and experienced readers of The Merchant of Venice, providing a comprehensive exploration of the play's depth and complexities

Provides a historical context for the play, enriching the learner's understanding of its cultural and social significance

Engages learners through a combination of video lectures, readings, and explorations of adaptations, offering diverse learning experiences

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice: Shylock with these activities:

Watch a video lecture on the history of anti-Semitism

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Provides context for understanding Shylock's character and the play's themes.

Browse courses on Anti-Semitism

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Find a reputable video lecture on the history of anti-Semitism.
Watch the lecture and take notes.

Review the cannon surrounding The Merchant of Venice

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Enriches the depth of your understanding of the course material.

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Review the text of The Merchant of Venice.
Read at least two scholarly articles on the play.
Watch a performance of the play.

Read Harold Bloom's take on Shylock

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Bloom's insights will enhance your comprehension of the play's complexities and nuances.

View The Bright Book of Life: Novels to Read and... on Amazon

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Read the chapter on The Merchant of Venice.

Five other activities

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Read Jan Kott's analysis of Shylock

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Offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the play's themes and characters.

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Read the chapter on The Merchant of Venice.

Participate in a discussion forum on Shylock

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Engages you with diverse perspectives, fostering deeper understanding of the play.

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Join an online discussion forum dedicated to The Merchant of Venice.
Post your thoughts and ideas about Shylock.
Respond to other participants' posts.

Attend a workshop on Shakespeare's language

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Enhances your appreciation of the play's rich language and literary devices.

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Find a workshop on Shakespeare's language.
Attend the workshop.

Write a character analysis of Shylock

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Solidifies your understanding of Shylock as a complex and multifaceted character.

Browse courses on Character Analysis

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Consider Shylock's motivations and actions.
Analyze Shylock's language and speeches.
Explore how Shylock is portrayed by different actors and directors.
Write your character analysis.

Tutor a student who is struggling with The Merchant of Venice

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Deepens your understanding of the play through teaching and reinforces your skills.

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Find a student who is struggling with The Merchant of Venice.
Develop a lesson plan.
Teach the student.

Career center

Learners who complete Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice: Shylock will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Artistic Director

As an Artistic Director, you will oversee creative and artistic success. You will guide the approach, ethos, and artistic direction of all the projects undertaken, including fundraising, marketing, and personnel management. By learning about how artistic representations of Jews have evolved over time and examining various responses to a polarizing theatrical figure, Shakespeare's play, *The Merchant of Venice*, can help you to develop a critical eye for cultural products and enhance your ability to shape and share your own artistic vision.

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Museum curator

As a Museum Curator, you will preserve and interpret cultural heritage by researching, acquiring, conserving, and presenting museum collections. *The Merchant of Venice* addresses the history of artistic representations of Jews in the West and will provide you with a deep understanding of one of the most contentious and enduring plays in Western literature, making this course highly relevant to your field.

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Cultural Anthropologist

As an anthropologist, you will research human behavior, culture, and societies to understand the complex nature of human existence and the functions of culture in society. You will benefit from the examination of diverse perspectives on Shylock, a Jewish character in *The Merchant of Venice*, as it will help you to develop a nuanced understanding of cultural influences and their impact on individuals and communities.

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Historian

As a Historian, you will study and interpret the past through research, analysis, and writing. Your work will help us to understand the present and make informed decisions about the future. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history of anti-Semitism, religious persecution, and the evolution of cultural attitudes toward marginalized groups, equipping you with important perspectives to analyze historical events and societal trends.

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Professor

As a Professor, you will conduct research and teach students at the university level. Your research and teaching will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field and provide students with the critical thinking and analytical skills they need to succeed in their careers. This course can serve as a valuable resource for your teaching and research, providing you with a rich understanding of Shakespeare's complex and controversial play, *The Merchant of Venice*.

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English Teacher

As an English Teacher, you will inspire and guide students in their study of literature and language. You will help them to develop critical thinking skills, appreciate the power of words, and engage with diverse perspectives. This course can provide you with new insights into Shakespeare's works and enhance your ability to teach students about the complexities of his characters, themes, and language.

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Writer

As a Writer, you will create written content for various purposes, including fiction, non-fiction, journalism, and marketing. Your ability to communicate effectively is crucial to your success. This course provides a deep dive into the themes, characters, and historical context of *The Merchant of Venice*, enhancing your understanding of human nature, social issues, and the power of storytelling.

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Editor

As an Editor, you will review, edit, and revise written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. Your attention to detail and ability to work with writers are essential to your success. This course can enhance your understanding of language, narrative structure, and character development, providing you with valuable insights to inform your editorial decisions.

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Literary Agent

As a Literary Agent, you will represent authors and their works, negotiating contracts, securing publishing deals, and guiding their careers. Your knowledge of the publishing industry and your ability to identify promising manuscripts are crucial to your success. This course can provide you with valuable insights into the craft of writing, the literary market, and the business side of publishing, enhancing your ability to represent authors effectively.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you will research, write, and report on news and current events. Your ability to gather and analyze information, and communicate it clearly and concisely, is essential to your success. This course can enhance your understanding of social issues, cultural trends, and the human condition, providing you with valuable perspectives to inform your reporting.

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Lawyer

As a Lawyer, you will advise clients on legal matters, represent them in court, and help them to resolve disputes. Your ability to understand complex legal issues and communicate effectively is crucial to your success. This course can provide you with a deeper understanding of the legal system, ethical issues, and the human dynamics involved in legal cases.

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Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. Your ability to understand consumer behavior and create effective marketing strategies is crucial to your success. This course can provide you with insights into human psychology, cultural influences, and the power of storytelling, enhancing your ability to connect with audiences and drive results.

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Public relations manager

As a Public Relations Manager, you will manage the public image of an organization or individual. Your ability to build relationships with the media and communicate effectively is crucial to your success. This course can provide you with insights into media relations, crisis management, and the ethical implications of public relations, enhancing your ability to navigate the complex world of public opinion.

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Social Media Manager

As a Social Media Manager, you will create and manage social media content to engage with audiences and promote products or services. Your ability to understand social media trends and create engaging content is crucial to your success. This course can provide you with insights into online communities, digital storytelling, and the ethical implications of social media, enhancing your ability to build strong brands and connect with followers.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

As a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you will develop and implement strategies to promote diversity and inclusivity within an organization. Your ability to understand cultural differences and create a welcoming and equitable environment is crucial to your success. This course can provide you with insights into the history of discrimination and social justice, as well as the challenges and opportunities of creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, enhancing your ability to foster a culture of respect and belonging.

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