However, the Merchant of Venice, a British small theater drama named Shylock, tried to rehabilitate Shylock from a historical perspective, citing various facts to make the audience admit that Shylock's revenge was forced and excusable.
Shylock, a Jew, is an image, complex and extremely self-interested usurer. At the same time, he has many ugly personality characteristics, such as coldness, meanness, cruelty, greed and cunning. He is clever, good at doing business and relying on property.
As a Jew, Shylock shares the same fate as most other Jews. In the Middle Ages, Jews were regarded as inferior nations by European countries, persecuted in religion, deprived of any political rights and freedoms in politics, and subjected to various restrictions in economy. In different historical periods, they were persecuted, discriminated, looted and killed in different countries. They have a deep sense of inferiority about their dependence on others. In order to survive and strive for equal status with other ethnic groups, they unite with the outside world, abide by laws and regulations, and strive for self-improvement. However, Jews are good at commercial finance. In this field, they sometimes ignore humanity and morality and make full use of many opportunities that others despise to make a fortune. Some of them will do things that are too cruel, too tricky and too despicable as long as they have the chance and don't break the law.
Shylock was discriminated against because of his different religious beliefs, and then he was full of vigilance and revenge on the people around him. The poor Jewish businessman lives in a society surrounded by Christians and nobles. Although he is rich, he is still discriminated against, insulted and ridiculed. He hates those around him who squander their ancestral property and lead a dissolute life. Therefore, when the opportunity comes, Shylock hopes to severely retaliate against this society that treats him and his nation unfairly.