To what Extent Is Shylock Responsible For His Downfall In The Play The Merchant Of Venice

Shylock's Downfall
In Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, the Jewish money lender, is only partly responsible for his own downfall. In fact, he is responsible perhaps to a lesser extent than the other parties. It is true that Shylock set the terms of the bond that was to eventually destroy him, and throughout his life had led a cruel and merciless vendetta against the non-Jews. It is also true that Shylock's very personality and conduct drove people from him, and evoked a strong sense of unease, even hatred. However, in The Merchant of Venice, two other parties, and a num…