Directing Act 4 Scene 1 of Shakespeares The Merchant of...

Directing Act 4 Scene 1 of Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice I hate him for he is a Christian (Act 1 Scene 3, line 34). This quote tells me a lot about Shylocks true character, which would help me to direct Act 4 Scene 1 of Shakespeares play - A Merchant of Venice. This is the aim of my essay. Act 4 Scene 1 is very important, both within Act 4, and within the play as a whole. Act 4 is the act in which Antonio and Shylocks trial takes place and Antonios life is saved. Scene 1 shows the trial and is the main and longest scene in the act. The Merchant of Venice is a play with many themes. It shows religious conflict - between Judaism (represented by Shylock) and Christianity (the†¦show more content†¦It shows Antonios way of being patient and kind to try to slow Shylocks rage to mercy. I would have Antonio saying these lines very resignedly, as though he is calm, and ready for death if it comes to it, and as though he knows and understands that whatever happens cannot be changed, no matter what he does. I would have him standing, fairly relaxed, with no emotions showing on his face, again to emphasise that he is calm, and unafraid of the future. I would have these lines played like this as I think that what he says seems very gentle, typical of the gentle spirit he has shown previously to his friends - neither have I money or commodity to raise a present sum; therefore go forth, try what my credit can do (Act 1 Scene 1). Lines 63-64 - spoken by Bassanio are This is no answer, thou unfeeling man, To excuse the current of thy cruelty This shows Bassanios immense anger at Shylock - Antonio borrowed the money for him and therefore he is now feeling very guilty for his good friend. This is also shown later in the scene, and my essay. I would have Bassanio jump from his seat, as though it is on fire, and spit the words out, at the same time as pushing his face as close to Shylocks as heShow MoreRelatedEssay about Directing William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice871 Words   |  4 PagesDirecting William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice I am going to set my theatrical production of Merchant of Venice act 1 scene 3 in a building in a street in Venice. The building in which this scene is set should be lit by candle light creating a slightly dark, gloomy atmosphere to give the audience a sense of mischief and wrong doing on Shylocks part. Costume wise I would make a clear distinction between the clothes of Shylock and the Venetians. Shylock willRead MoreEssay Shylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice2094 Words   |  9 PagesShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice By the end of Act 4 scene 1, my view of Shylock is a man who wishes to get revenge at society by trying to take the flesh of a Venetian merchant because of the prejudices that are thrown at him. Shylock is a rich Jewish moneylender and a widow whose daughter has eloped with a Christian, Lancelot. Shylock is treated with the lowest kind of integrity and respect in Venice this was normal for Jews in the Victorian