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To what extent does an audience feel sympathy for Shylock? Explore at least two moments from the play to support your ideas. - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 7
To what extent does an audience feel sympathy for Shylock? Explore at least two moments from the play to support your ideas.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent does an audience feel sympathy for Shylock? Explore at least two moments from the play to support your ideas. - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explore the context of Shylock's character
Answer
Shylock is a complex character who elicits varying degrees of sympathy from the audience. Initially, he appears as a villain, lending money to Antonio with a harsh condition. However, understanding his background as a Jew in a predominantly Christian society evokes sympathy, as he is marginalized and mistreated by others.
Step 2
Moment one: The trial scene
Answer
In the trial scene, Shylock demands his bond— a pound of flesh from Antonio. This moment can be viewed with sympathy as it highlights his desperation for respect and justice in response to years of abuse and humiliation. The audience may feel pity for his desire to reclaim a semblance of dignity in a world that has scorned him.
Step 3
Moment two: Shylock's speech
Answer
When Shylock delivers his famous speech, 'Hath not a Jew eyes?', he powerfully articulates his pain and the universal nature of suffering. This profound moment invites the audience to empathize with him, as he argues that he is just as human as anyone else, appealing to their sense of justice and humanity.