Parallels between Snape and Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice"

[verysherryk]

No: HPFGUIDX 134944

> Mari wrote:
> Readers respond to Shylock in the same way as readers respond 
> to Snape; both characters are unsettling and ambiguous.
> 
> Shylock functions as a plot catalyst and complicating factor 
> for Shakespeare, and Snape similarly functions as a plot 
> catalyst and complicating factor in the story for Rowling. 
> This is the main reason why I don't think Rowling is finished
> with Snape yet.
> 
> Here's the link to my original message and ideas about this:
> 
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/message/134889


Sherry:

I agree that modern audiences see Shylock as ambiguous, but 
Shakespearean audiences would not. English audiences were not 
only anti-semitic, but also despised moneylending.  Shylock's moneylending might have meant more than his being Jewish.  He 
was intended to be the villain, but Shakespeare is a great 
character author and transformed Shylock from a flat stereotype 
to a complex character.  In support of your point, Snape is seen 
as a death eater, which is also considered evil.  Once again, 
instead of a stale character, we have rich, complex characters.