Reviews

Il Mercante di Venezia by William Shakespeare

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senne_adam's review against another edition

Never have I been more conflicted about a book than I am about 'The Merchant of Venice'. It's a beautifully written play that tells an engaging story, exploring themes of justice, empathy and morality. However, the overt antisemitism, while a product of its time, is simply not acceptable.

My appreciation would have been considerably higher had the antagonist been anything but a walking stereotype of a Jew as seen through an antisemitic lens. The character's 'redemption' through forced conversion to Christianity is the rotten cherry on top.

Such major narrative problems in an otherwise excellent play make it impossible to give it a fair rating.

rideabike's review against another edition

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5.0

My absolute favorite of Shakespeare.

deepanjalireads_'s review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

childoflight's review against another edition

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1.75

The only reason that it is not a sheer 1.0 because of the fact that it is Shakespeare. However, this play was absolutely terrible to read, given the rampant antisemitism and racism.