Race and religion have been used as a basis for discrimination in the society. Different people have been viewed with contempt, and restrictive practices are enforced on them, deeming them as inferior. The context of ‘bond’ is present in both Merchant of Venice and Othello. Shylock in the Merchant of Venice and Othello in Othello serve their death to illustrate the boundaries between superior and inferior blood. Shylock, of Jewish origin, demonstrates historical forms of religious tension existing with the Christians.
In contrast, Othello represents the neoteric epoch approach to different races. Othello was a ‘Moor’ which consisted of Africa, Muslims, and Turkish culture. Shakespeare has employed vivid descriptions of events to illustrate the racial and religious boundaries in the world, and how discriminatory acts are justified, further stratifying the society to adhere to the traditions of the dominant culture and race.
The Merchant of Venice stereotypes the Jewish race as having a knack for money. Shylock is introduced on nummary terms, ‘Three thousand ducats, and well.’ The Christians regarded the Shylock business of lending money at exorbitant interest to be illegal. Austere Christians, such as Antonia, openly condemned him, hurling insults at him to the extent of spitting on his beard. Shylock reserves the same contempt towards Christians with their free lending tendencies without asking for interest. The Jews were thus looked at as having immoral behaviors, making them a social misfit. Antonio’s speech to Bassanio, in regards to Shylock, shows how vast the religion rift separated the people, “Mark you this, Bassanio, / The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. / An evil soul producing holy witness / is like a villain with a smiling cheek, / A goodly apple rotten at heart. / O what a goodly outside falsehood hath!” Antonio claims that Shylock is shrewd enough to manipulate the scriptures for his benefit. This occurred after Shylock quoted the scriptures on interbreeding among the blood and white shape in Laban’s tale.
Shylock contradicted the money-loving nature when he refused to accept the six thousand ducats offered by Bassanio to forfeit his intentions of wanting a pound of flesh from Antonio. Shylock, initially a victim of racial bias, is looked down upon by the majority and seizes the opportunity when Antonio lost his goods on the ship, to exact revenge on Christians. Shylock views Antonio as an embodiment of Christians who discriminate against his business and endeavors on a racial basis. The actions of Shlock illustrate the devastating effects that occur when a religious discourse is followed. Lago in Othello refers to the protagonist as “Moors,” which degrades his religion as being associated with the ‘Moor.’ Lago emphasizes on the Othello’s differences to impact contrary to his image.
The prince of Morocco in Merchant of Venice Portia has some reservations which she expresses to her servant about his complexion. Even though the prince is described as ‘Saintly,’ his skin color nullifies Portia potential affection toward him. The prince of Morocco is described to have come from Africa, making him the furthest suitor to try and woe the wealthy heiress. The princess is said to be dressed ‘all in white’ perhaps to signify purity and good-heartedness. This compares to Desdemona in Othello, who owned a white handkerchief and white bedsheet to reflect chastity. The white color is associated with purity without blemish, while black represents evil with complications.
The wedding ring is portrayed as a type of bond. A wedding ring is used to illustrate commitment and lifetime faithfulness. The handkerchief in Othello represents fidelity, the loss of it gave Othello grounds to believe Lago claims. Portia and Nerissa, who disguised themselves as doctor and clerk to pass judgment and release Antonio from Shylock’s clutches, demanded the rings in exchange for their services. “If you had known the virtue of the ring, / or half her worthiness that gave a ring, / Or your honor to contain the ring, / You would not then have parted with the ring” Bassanio was reluctant at first but eventually gave in. However, the consequences of giving out the rings were not dire to both Bassanio and Gratiano. Jessica plays a significant role when she took her dead mother’s ring and traded it for a monkey leaving Shylock in distress. “Would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys.” She, too, faces no consequences in her decision to sell her mother’s ring. The ring symbolizes honor and virtue.