Stereotypes of Jews in literature anti-Semitism. However, also like Shylock, he occasionally shows evidence of humanity (albeit very rarely). It has been suggested that "The Jew of Malta" influenced Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice". Despite the fact that Shakespeare probably never met a Jew, "The Merchant of Venice" includes a character named Shylock who has become the archetype of the Jewish moneylender stereotype. Derek Cohen asserts that the Shylock character is "the best known Jew in English." Shylock is a money-lender and was often portrayed with a hooked nose and bright red wigs. Shylock's character has been criticized for its anti-Semitic nature, although some
The quality of mercy (Shakespeare quote) the showers upon the herb,” were echoed in the first words of the speech, “The quality of mercy is not strained. / It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven / Upon the place beneath.” All references to "The Merchant of Venice", unless otherwise specified, are taken from the Folger Shakespeare Library's "Folger Digital Editions" texts edited by Barbara Mowat, Paul Werstine, Michael Poston, and Rebecca Niles. Under their referencing system, 3.1.55 means act 3, scene 1, line 55. Prologues, epilogues, scene directions, and other parts of the play that are not a part of character speech in a scene,