Appearance vs. Reality in The Merchant of Venice Essay

Appearance vs. Reality in The Merchant of Venice The Merchant of Venice explores the theme of Appearance versus Reality. The theme is supported with many examples in the form of characters, events and objects. During the discussion of the bond, Shylock says to Antonio â€Å" I would be friends with you and have your love† and â€Å"this kindness will I show†. He pretends to be Antonio’s friend, but he has an ulterior motive, which is to take a pound of Antonio’s flesh from whatever part of his body he pleases. The underlying meaning is to kill him, and thus, although Shylock seems good-hearted, he is in truth, harbouring deceit. Shylock is manipulative and crafty as he tries to put up a show to deceive Antonio. He sounds generous about†¦show more content†¦Jessica also feels sorry that Launcelot is leaving, because he as a good-natured â€Å"merry devil†, brought the only ray of sunshine to an otherwise gloomy place. Furthermore, Launcelot calls Jessica â€Å"most beautiful pagan, most sweet Jew†, signifying that he respects and admires her beauty. When Launcelot happens to meet his father, Old Gobbo, he appears to be a gentleman to him when in reality he is not. He played a tricks on his sand-blind father, for example, he gave confusing directions to Shylock’s house, called himself â€Å"young Master Launcelot†, and even declared that he was deceased. Old Gobbo must have thought that the man he was speaking to was highly intellectual, for he talked about â€Å"Fates and Destinies† and â€Å"Sisters Three†. That man was Launcelot, who was actually trying â€Å"confusions with him†. Launcelot is playful and clownish although he possesses a touch of pride and snobbery when he wants to taken for a young gentleman. Launcelot is sensitive, because when he sees that Old Gobbo is genuinely upset about his son’s supposed death, he reveals his identity. Jessicas wants to elope, for her house is hell. She is constantly restricted, and is not allowed to look at Christians at the Masque, or listen to music, which to Shylock is â€Å"shallow froppery.† As to the pull factors, it is her love for Lorenzo and a longing for a free-spending life-style. Jessica disguises herself as a pageboy during her elopement with Lorenzo. SheShow MoreRelated Appearance vs. Reality in Merchant Of Venice Essay1949 Words   |  8 PagesThe theme of Appearance Vs. Reality is used throughout the play to mislead and confuse so things may not always be what they seem. Shakespeare uses deception to enhance the unfolding drama and involve his audience more fully in the play – the audience are party to deceptions which the characters themselves are unaware of. Prejudice was common and the word â€Å"Jew† applied to hardhearted unscrupulous moneylenders. 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