Money Concept

Money is a very big deal in this play. In much of The Merchant of Venice, the characters' attitudes toward wealth, mercantilism, and usury function as a way to differentiate between Christians and Jews.

 

Shylock seems to care more about his money than to have mercy toward Antonio. This reflects his value on money.

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The Christians in the play are portrayed as generous and even careless with their fortunes. The money-grubbing Shylock, on the other hand, is accused of caring more for his ducats than human relationships. At the same time, there's textual evidence to suggest that Shakespeare calls these stereotypes into question.