The Merchant of Venice: Third Series -- William Shakespeare

<p><i>The Merchant of Venice</i> is perhaps most associated not with its titular hero, Antonio, but with the complex figure of the money lender, Shylock. The play was described as a comedy in the First Folio but its modern audiences find it more problematic to categorise. The vilification of Shylock 'the Jew' can be very uncomfortable for a post-holocaust audience and debates continue as to whether Shakespeare's portrayal of this complex man is sympathetic or anti-semitic. <p/>John Drakakis' comprehensive introduction traces the stage history of the figure of the Jew and looks boldly at twenty-first century issues surrounding it. He also explores other themes of the play such as father/daughter relations, the power of money and the forceful character of Portia, to offer readers an energetic, original and revelatory reading of this challenging play.</p><br><br><b>Author:</b> William Shakespeare<br><b>Publisher:</b> Arden Shakespeare<br><b>Published:</b> 04/26/2011<br><b>Pages:</b> 480<br><b>Binding Type:</b> Paperback<br><b>Weight:</b> 1.15lbs<br><b>Size:</b> 7.70h x 5.10w x 0.90d<br><b>ISBN:</b> 9781903436813<br><p><b>About the Author</b><br><p>John Drakakis is Professor of English Studies at the University of Stirling, Scotland.</p></p>