Oh boy. This play is a bit problematic in its rampant antisemitism. The play definitely highlights predatory lending practices and honestly, Shylock has some of the most meaningful, powerful monologues about equity and humanity. This play seems like the original “we’ve made the *villain* too relatable so he has to do something unreasonably cruel to assure the audience doesn’t side with him. I rate it as high as I do because, when read, it is a starkly powerful piece of education relative to Europe’s treatment of those who practice the Jewish faith. I am surprised at how often this show is still done today.