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Reviews tagging 'Antisemitism'
The Merchant of Venice: Large Print by William Shakespeare
65 reviews
marthadude's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is one of the bard's misses for sure. In class, it offered up wonderful debates about antisemitism, racism, and homosexuality. However, I do think that it does Shylock injustice, and makes him into an antisemetic caricature. Just like any one of Shakespeare's works, it is open to interpretation, but I think that what happens to Shylock in the end proves that the play isn't sympathetic to him. I do like the queer themes though. Besides all that, it has a long and slow second act that really bogs down the momentum of the play. I see why this one isn't preformed too often.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Mental illness, Racism, and Antisemitism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
morenowagain's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
lexarobinson's review against another edition
challenging
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It is problematic as all hell, but in terms of pure literature, it is phenomenal. Portia is one of Shakespeare's best and most complex female characters, Shylock is appropriately tragic, and I am convinced that the two-bros-chilling-in-a-hot-tub directly descends from Antonio and Bassanio.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
ayearinbookswithzoe's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This is one of the worst plays I’ve ever read. It is essentially purely antisemitism and nothing else. Compared to Shakespeare’s other works it’s very disappointing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, and Religious bigotry
zoraya0016's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: Racism
amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
1.0
this book was so anti jewish it was pretty much unreadable. the only jewish character is vilified from the start and then constantly verbally abused the whole play.
besides that the plot is also boring as hell. Bassano wants to marry the most beautiful woman of the land, Portia, but he can’t afford to go to her town. So his best friend, Antonio, funds him by taking out a loan with the jewish man, Shylock. Meanwhile Portia has a test set out for all her suitors
boring plot with obvious conclusion but at least the women had a good role in this plot. at the end without the womens help the men would have failed. but the women came in disguised as men and thwarted the jew. this book was bad
besides that the plot is also boring as hell. Bassano wants to marry the most beautiful woman of the land, Portia, but he can’t afford to go to her town. So his best friend, Antonio, funds him by taking out a loan with the jewish man, Shylock. Meanwhile Portia has a test set out for all her suitors
boring plot with obvious conclusion but at least the women had a good role in this plot. at the end without the womens help the men would have failed. but the women came in disguised as men and thwarted the jew. this book was bad
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
ajsmall3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
miaaisha's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
montsebens's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny and Antisemitism
wildestdreams's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
While I think it’s worth reading (not necessarily a must-read, but I don’t want it pulled off the shelves) from a historical and literary perspective, it is hideously antisemitic and as a Jewish person I cannot recommend it in good faith after how hurtful I have found it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism