Shylock in the Merchant of Venice
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All of us are prejudiced by our own time period. It has been thought that in our own time frame, Shakespeare's the Merchant of Venice is an anti-Semitic play. Thesis: This discussion will examine that the anti-Semitism as presented in the Merchant of Venice, contains an element of pro-Semitism that is not initially discerned. Bibliography includes 14 sources.
Filename: BBshylck.doc

The Art of Appeasement and the Political, Religious and Social Issues Reflected in William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," "The Merchant of Venice" and "Macbeth"
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A 10 page paper which examines if William Shakespeare's social commentaries (as represented by three plays) were financially motivated or if he was trying to prove something. Specifically considered is how Shakespeare was able to diplomatically handle the political and religious aspects of his plays in order to secure funding for them, i.e., what he would have to do to appease the monarchy and the church. Bibliography lists 11 sources.
Filename: TGWillyS.wps

The Inclusion of Historical, Cultural, and Religious Influences in the Themes and Works of Walt Whitman, William Shakespeare and William Golding
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This is an 8 page paper on the themes and influences on the works of Walt Whitman, William Shakespeare and William Golding. An introductory outline is included. American poet Walt Whitman, British playwright William Shakespeare and British writer William Golding all manage to include important historical, cultural, religious and societal influences in the themes within their writing. Whitman who was greatly distressed over the political situation and destructiveness of the American Civil War in the 19th century included these concerns in his collection of war poems entitled “Drum Taps” which portrayed not only the excitement during the recruitment stages but also the description and compassion felt for those who were injured or dying as a result of the war. William Shakespeare who wrote during the late 16th and early 17th centuries depicted a somewhat different societal theme evident at the time in his play “The Merchant of Venice” which portrayed the views and attitudes towards Jews in Elizabethan England. The theme of the conflict which existed between the Christians and Jews is reflected in the Jew Shylock portrayed as a villain, a common portrayal for the Jews at that time. Lastly, William Golding in his novel “The Lord of the Flies” (1954) reveals the theme of the horrors of war and the darkness which can overcome a man’s character through the loss of civilization in which not even children can escape; no doubt as a reflection of his own experiences and involvement during World War II. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: TJcomth1.rtf