The Merchant of Venice
The RSC'S Performance of the Play
The RSC'S Performance of the Play
Again, make sure that you're focusing on the use of language in the text.
Act By Act
Act By Act
Exploring Big Ideas
Exploring Big Ideas
Does the play comment on antisemitism, or is it antisemitic?
Some audiences have criticised the play for being antisemitic. Others have interpreted the play as a critique of antisemitism. What's your opinion?
These resources might help you explore this further:
What interpretations of the text can be arrived at if we apply a Queer lens?
A lot of readers find Antonio and Bassanio's relationship interesting. The cause of Antonio's depression is ambiguous, and some critics argue that it is influenced by Bassanio's love for Portia.
Use the resources on the Queer Theory page to form an interpretation of the text.
Click the link above or the image to access materials that might help with your understanding of the text.