Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1989

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Collins, Robert A.

Abstract

Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice is examined on an allegorical level, with Shylock the Jew portrayed as representing the Mosaic Law, and Antonio the Merchant of Venice portrayed as a Christ figure who represents the New Law. The religious convictions of the era are presented by examining the works of Richard Hooker as representative of his milieu. Traditional religious theology, both Jewish and Christian, is examined to establish a basis for the battle that ensues. Evidence is presented to establish a Jewish presence in England prior to their admission by Oliver Cromwell. This presence is argued to have influenced Shakespeare in his writing and precipitates a battle in which the two opposing philosophies do battle. The sides are carefully drawn and a celestial battle takes place. The allegories are described and then used to define the antagonists in terms that fit their allegorical nature.

Extent

93 p.

Comments

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1989.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Identifier

FADT14521

Format

pdf

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