The Crucible Antonio Abuse Essay
228 Words1 Page
In Act 3 Scene 1, Shylock believes it logical to reciprocate Antonios’ abuse. When Shylock is asked what purpose does taking Antonio’s flesh serve in doing, he answers that it will feed his vengeance. He says that Antonio has abused him in many ways: made fun of his earnings, scorned his race, thwarted his deals, turned his friends against him and riled up his enemies. He has suffered all of this treatment just because he’s a Jew. However, Shylock argues that this is unfair since a Jew is no less human than a Christian is, as they too have eyes, hands, human shape, passions, are hurt and healed the same way. “If you prick us, do we not bleed?” (Line 61), that since they have the same human features, why should they be treated any different.