The aspect of antisemitism in Shakespeare’s play “The Merchant of Venice” has been relevant throughout the play’s history and it has been discussed against different historical backgrounds and with different intentions. But especially since the traumatic historical experience of the Holocaust, the question “Is Shakespeare’s play anti-Semitic and does it evoke anti-Semitic sentiments in the audience?” has been of crucial importance for Shakespeare scholars and theatre directors.
But the complexity and controversy of the subject matter might put an even bigger challenge to teachers dealing with the play in EFL-classrooms. However, as compulsory teaching materials for the written Abitur examinations (advanced level) in Lower Saxony in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 the Ministry of Culture lists excerpts from “The Merchant of Venice” or “Romeo and Juliet”. So the question that put itself to a teacher in the past four years and will put itself to him in the next two years is not Will I discuss anti-Semitism in my English class at all? But: How will I deal with anti-Semitism in my English class?
In order to answer this question, i. e. how to deal with the aspect of anti-Semitism in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice” in the English foreign language classroom, this paper will at first briefly examine the historical background of the play, give a survey on different understandings and interpretations of Shylock and take a look at various stagings of the play (chapter 1). Secondly, it will examine the teaching materials on “The Merchant of Venice” currently available to teachers with regard to the aspect of anti-Semitism and will compare and assess those materials. Finally, it will put down learning objectives and outline possible methods of teaching (chapter 2).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- "The Merchant of Venice" as an Anti-Semitic Play
- Historical Background of the Play
- The Conception of Shylock as a Character
- Different Stagings of Shylock throughout History
- "The Merchant of Venice" in the EFL-Classroom - Teaching Approaches
- Teaching Materials
- Learning Objectives
- Methods of Teaching
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the historical and contemporary relevance of antisemitism in Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" and provide teachers with guidance on how to approach the subject effectively in an EFL classroom. The paper examines the historical context of the play, analyzes different interpretations of Shylock, and outlines teaching strategies and resources for addressing the topic of antisemitism.
- The historical and cultural context of antisemitism in Shakespeare's England.
- The complex character of Shylock and his portrayal in various stagings.
- The potential for "The Merchant of Venice" to evoke anti-Semitic sentiments in the audience.
- The challenges and opportunities in teaching "The Merchant of Venice" in an EFL classroom.
- The development and assessment of teaching materials related to antisemitism.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter delves into the historical context of "The Merchant of Venice," exploring the limited presence of Jews in Elizabethan England and the significance of Venice as a setting for the play. It also examines the conception of Shylock's character and analyzes various interpretations of his role and motivations. The chapter concludes by analyzing different stagings of Shylock throughout history, highlighting the evolution of his portrayal from a comic stock character to a tragic and sympathetic outsider.
The second chapter explores the practical aspects of teaching "The Merchant of Venice" in an EFL classroom. It examines existing teaching materials, analyzes learning objectives, and outlines potential teaching methods to effectively address the issue of antisemitism. The chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities in engaging students in a sensitive and meaningful way while fostering critical thinking and understanding.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores the themes of antisemitism, Elizabethan England, Shakespearean drama, character analysis, teaching strategies, and EFL pedagogy in the context of "The Merchant of Venice." It analyzes the portrayal of Shylock and the potential for the play to evoke anti-Semitic sentiments while examining the challenges and possibilities of teaching a potentially sensitive text in an EFL setting. Key concepts include historical context, cultural representation, character motivation, and teaching methods for promoting intercultural understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" considered anti-Semitic?
This is a subject of intense scholarly debate. While the play contains anti-Semitic stereotypes prevalent in Elizabethan England, modern interpretations often view Shylock as a tragic victim of a prejudiced society, making the play a complex study of intolerance.
Why is Shylock a controversial character in literature?
Shylock is controversial because he embodies the "villainous usurer" stereotype, yet he is given a powerful voice to protest his mistreatment ("Hath not a Jew eyes?"). His portrayal has shifted from a comic villain to a sympathetic figure over centuries.
How can teachers address anti-Semitism when teaching this play in EFL classrooms?
Teachers can provide historical context about Jews in Elizabethan England, analyze the language used against Shylock, and compare different theatrical stagings to foster critical thinking and intercultural understanding among students.
What was the status of Jews in Elizabethan England?
Jews had been officially expelled from England in 1290, so there was no visible Jewish community during Shakespeare's time. This lack of direct contact contributed to the reliance on myths and cultural stereotypes in literature.
What are the learning objectives of teaching "The Merchant of Venice"?
Key objectives include developing literary analysis skills, understanding historical contexts of prejudice, and discussing ethical questions regarding justice, mercy, and human rights.
- Quote paper
- Marc Felsbrecher (Author), 2016, Shylock in the EFL-Classroom. Teaching the Aspect of Anti-Semitism in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/318681
