Shakespeare: Past Master | 7. The Merchant of Venice
Transporting audiences to a ruthless world of moneylending and murderous revenge, the drama features characters now widely regarded as offensively stereotypical – but also offers insights into how nascent capitalism was viewed in the playwright’s era
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Officially classed as a comedy, William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is chiefly remembered for its dramatic tale of romance and revenge – and its antisemitic tropes. Yet, argues Emma Smith, it also contains valuable real-world insights into the economics of the era.
Authors
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Matt Elton is BBC History Magazine’s Deputy Editor. He has worked at the magazine since 2012 and has more than a decade’s experience working across a range of history brands.
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