The Merchant of Venice: Context (Edexcel GCSE English Literature): Flashcards
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When was The Merchant of Venice written?
When was The Merchant of Venice written?
Late 16th century
England's relationship with Jews in late 16th century
England's relationship with Jews in late 16th century
Complicated, with suspicion and prejudice
Shylock's occupation and religion
Shylock's occupation and religion
Jewish moneylender
What Shylock's portrayal reflects
What Shylock's portrayal reflects
Anti-Semitic attitudes of the time
Three key issues explored in the play
Three key issues explored in the play
Justice, mercy, and the law
Importance of justice/mercy/law in Elizabethan England
Importance of justice/mercy/law in Elizabethan England
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What Shylock-Antonio bond reflects
What Shylock-Antonio bond reflects
Tensions between strict justice and mercy
Meaning of 'strict justice' in the play
Meaning of 'strict justice' in the play
Demanding the letter of the law
Meaning of 'mercy' in the play
Meaning of 'mercy' in the play
Showing compassion
How Jews were treated in late 16th century England
How Jews were treated in late 16th century England
With suspicion and prejudice