The Merchant of Venice

The Arden Shakespeare, 3rd Edition

By: William Shakespeare, John Drakakis (Editor)

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Hardcover | 1 May 2011 | Edition Number 3

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Hardcover
480 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
2.5 x 13.1 x 22

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The Merchant of Venice 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.

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.

About the Authors

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was born in Stratford-upon-Avon where his father was a prosperous glover. His early life is obscure, but he married Anne Hathaway in 1682 with whom he had two children. By 1592 he was establishing himself in London, and over the next twenty years he wrote thirty-seven plays-and contributed to many more-was a prolific poet, and was taken up by several influential patrons. His Sonnets were first printed in 1609 by George Eld for Thomas Thorpe. The identity of Mr. W.H. to whom the Sonnets are dedicated remains a mystery, as does the identity of the aristocratic youth in the Sonnets and the enigmatic Dark Lady.

John Drakakis is a professor at the University of Stirling, Scotland.

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Literature, Poetry & Plays Plays Shakespeare Plays History & Criticism of Literature Literary Studies of Plays & Playwrights Shakespeare Studies & Criticism Anthologies (non-poetry)General Literary Studies Literary Studies from 1500 to 1800

Other Editions and Formats

Paperback

Published: 1st May 2011

The Merchant of Venice

The Arden Shakespeare, 3rd Edition

At a Glance

Hardcover

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

Other Editions and Formats

Paperback

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