for his gentle daughters sake" (2.4.36-7). Lorenzo describes Jessica using the word gentle. The word gentle in Shakespeares time can also be pronounced gentile which means against Judaism. In this quote and later on in the play through the line, "Our house is hell, and the, a merry devil"(2.3.2-3), Shakespeare is informing the reader that Jessica dislikes her father and that the house she has lived in with him is hell. Jessica is also an anti- Semite. Throughout "The Merchant of Venice," Shakespeare uses examples of anti-Semitism through many characters. An audience of Shakespeares time would have found these situations humorous because it was their reality, but to a Semite or a modern audience this play may seem offensive and attacking. Antonio came right out and clearly expressed his hatred for Jews. Launcelot decided to find a new master because he thought that being around a Jew was dangerous to his health and mind. Lorenzo stated that the only way Shylock would get to heaven is by his gentle daughter. Jessica showed her dislike towards Jews when she ran away from her father to elope with a Christian man. These four characters attitudes and thoughts throughout "The Merchant of Venice" make it an anti- Semitic play....
