Conflict

• There are two main key moments where a conflict arises in the merchant

  of Venice. In this play a moment where conflict arose was an act one

  scene three. This significant conflict arose between Shylock who was a

  Jewish money lender and Antonio a strong willed Christian merchant.

  Shylock expresses hatred towards Antonio due to religious and business methods
• The conflict depends when Antonio wanted to borrow 3000 ducats from

  Shylock as a guarantor for Bassanio. Shylock recalled Antonios ill

  treatment towards him prior, S said he called him names.
• He agreed to loan the money under condition the condition of this loan

  was brutal."Let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair

  flesh". Antonio agreed to the bond his willingness to enter such an

  agreement attitude to Shylock's animosity towards him.

  chance for shylock to get revenge - "I will feed the fat ancient grudge

  bear him"
• Antonio's Strong willed nature is evident when he saw the bond despite

  Bassanio trying to discourage him because of the grim terms.

  "you shall

  not steal seal such bond for me, I'll rather dwell in my necessity". Bond

  drastic tension - life threatening ultimatum.
• When did three-month period time elapsed Antonio was unable to repay

  the loan the tension in act four scene one intensified.Shylock now

  demand for a pound of flesh,duke urges him to be merciful but he refuses.

  failure to pay back loan - entitlement by shylock.
• The court to showcase Antonio begging for Mercy,but Shylock desires

  vengeance this exhibited tension as Antonio is unsure of his survival. Dr

  Balthasar increase suspense and drama in the play,as she gives hope to

  the Jew,"The Jew May claim a pound of his flesh". The conflict took a

  turning point when Balthasar asked the Jew to Tarry. The lawyer

  mentioned that the bond didn't include the shedding of blood but if he

  does his property will be confiscated.
• Shylock surrenders- has to give half of his wealth to his daughter and her

  husband and has to become a Christian.
• The scene where Antonio asks Shylock for a loan, and the the Court scene

  heightens the drama. Initially Antonio's request - basis for the conflict

  between the 2 characters and the issue of discrimination. Court scene

  heightens drama - Shylocks demand for a pound of Antonios flesh serves

  as a legal and moral dilemma enhancing the drama.