THEMES

(Hidden Messages and Lessons)

Prepared by Yeo Yam Hwee

Secondary Two Literature in English

RETOLD AS A SHORT

STORY BY LEON GARFIELD

Discrimination The Christians is the governing community with its

laws – rules and regulations on living and doing

businesses. Their behaviour tells us they despise the

Jews for their money-lending business. The Jews are

being oppressed. They are resorted to making being oppressed. They are resorted to making

money out of money because they cannot make a

living by doing other forms of businesses. Religion is

a central point of contention. Shylock is pardoned

only after he agreed to convert to Christianity. The

feelings of the defeated community has never been

considered.

HonourThe gentlemen’s words – Antonio agreeing to

let Shylock cut out a pound of flesh from his

body should he forfeit on the terms of their

contract. Honour is of paramount contract. Honour is of paramount

importance in the Venetian society.

Portia’s late father’s will – Portia honours

her father by obeying his will. She waits in

Belmont to be chosen and promises not to

choose for herself a husband.

Friendship Antonio and Bassanio ( a hint of love is also

involved here – see it from the context of 16th

century)

Portia and Nerissa (an extension of their Portia and Nerissa (an extension of their

master-servant relationship)

Shylock and Tubal (more like a trusted

relationship, in their case)

LovePortia and Bassanio

Jessica and Lorenzo

Parent-Child Relationship

Portia and her late father –

obedience, compliance, honourobedience, compliance, honour

Jessica and Shylock –

disobedience, betrayal, dishonour

Justice

Justice in the eyes of the Christian community

VersusVersus

Injustice as perceived by members of the non-

Christian community, especially the Jewish

people.

Mercy

Mercy triumphs it all - the quality of

mercy is not strained. It drops as the mercy is not strained. It drops as the

gentle rain from heaven upon the

place beneath. It is twice blessed –

when we show “mercy”, it blesses

him that gives, and him that takes.