Question

how does Shakespeare use language to show Shylock's hatred for Antonio in act 1 scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice?

Answer 1

Shakespeare uses a variety of language techniques to show Shylock's hatred for Antonio in Act 1 Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice. He uses repetition to emphasize Shylock's anger, such as when he says "I hate him for he is a Christian" three times. He also uses metaphors to express his hatred, such as when he says "If I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him". He also uses hyperbole to emphasize his hatred, such as when he says "I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear! Would she were hearsed at my foot, and the ducats in her coffin!" Finally, he uses rhetorical questions to express his contempt for Antonio, such as when he says "Is he not able to discharge the money?". All of these language techniques help to show Shylock's intense hatred for Antonio.