Author(s)

Ya Ma

Affiliation(s)

Keystone Academy, Beijing 101318, China.

Corresponding Author

Ya Ma

ABSTRACT

The exploration of evil in literature has long been a captivating subject, and few works engage with this theme more profoundly than Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. By focusing on Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, Shakespeare provides a multifaceted portrayal of evil that transcends traditional notions of villainy. In this essay, I analyze Shylock’s character to reveal how his actions stem from deep emotional turmoil and a lack of introspection, demonstrating that evil, as Shakespeare presents it, is not a fixed trait but rather an outcome of personal choices and circumstances. The play invites us to consider that human beings are not solely defined by their actions or perceived moral shortcomings, but by the complex interplay of their emotions, environment, and social pressures. This analysis underscores the significance of mercy and goodness as forces that ultimately triumph over evil, inviting a reconsideration of what constitutes true villainy in the human experience. Through Shylock’s complex psychological profile, Shakespeare explores the fragility of human identity and the consequences of moral rigidity in a world that demands adaptability. The play ultimately encourages readers to reflect on how societal structures and personal choices shape our understanding of morality, and how the human capacity for change offers hope for redemption, even for the most flawed individuals.

KEYWORDS

Evil; Villainy; Shakespeare; Emotional turmoil; Mercy

CITE THIS PAPER

Ya Ma. Beyond sociopathy: understanding evil through the lens of Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice. Journal of Trends in Arts and Humanities. 2025, 2(1): 64-68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/jtah3046.

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