After Portia has trapped Shylock through his own…
![“After Portia has trapped Shylock through his own insistence upon the letter of the law of Contract, she produces another law by which any alien who conspires against the life of a Venetian citizen forfeits his goods and places his life at the Doge’s mercy. […] Shakespeare, it seems to me, was…” quote by W.H. Auden](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/25c/w-h-auden-2-7412_antisemitism_after-portia-has-trapped-shylock-through_382814.jpg)
““After Portia has trapped Shylock through his own insistence upon the letter of the law of Contract, she produces another law by which any alien who conspires against the life of a Venetian citizen forfeits his goods and places his life at the Doge’s mercy. […] Shakespeare, it seems to me, was willing to introduce what is an absurd implausibility for the sake of an effect which he could not secure without it: at the last moment when, through his conduct, Shylock has destroyed any sympathy we may have felt for him earlier, we are reminded that, irrespective of his personal character, his status is one of inferiority. A Jew is not regarded, even in law, as a brother.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Shylock is forced to accept a harsher law, highlighting systemic anti‑Jewish bias and the use of legal loopholes to oppress.
In simple terms: Legal tricks expose prejudice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge unjust laws.
Themes
prejudice
law
power
identity
justice
Mood
critical
somber
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- courtroom drama
- modern legal reform
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
systemic bias
legal manipulation
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do legal systems perpetuate inequality?
- What can be done to protect vulnerable groups?
A Different Perspective
The law itself can be weaponized against minorities.