The Merchant of Venice: A critical analysis in terms of George Granville's adaptation of 1701

Abstract

A more precise evaluation of "The Merchant of Venice" may be gained through a critical comparison of the play with a much later adaption, that of George Granville in 1701, entitled "The Jew of Venice: A Comedy". A comparative critical analysis of the structure, character development, thematic treatment, and language of these two plays yields a better understanding of each play as a work of art. More important, however, a critical comparison of the two works brings into question the traditional classification of "The Merchant of Venice" as a romantic comedy. Past scholarships on "The Merchant of Venice" has been concerned primarily with the interpretation of the character of Shylock as the key to understanding Shakespeare's play. The problem of most analysis of "The Merchant of Venice" has been complicated and even clouded by the emotional reactions of both critics and actors to the role of Shylock. The extent to which critics differ and the extent to which both critic and actor rely upon Shylock as the key to understanding the play are evident in the divergence of opinion found in the body of pertinent criticism and in the variance of theatrical performances. There is a need to analyze the total structure of "The Merchant of Venice", for in doing so the dramatic function of Shylock becomes clear as well as the special functions of all other characters. The structure of "The Merchant of Venice", therefore, is by far the most important element to be considered in any comprehensive study of the play. Through the analysis of structure in relation to character development, thematic consistency, and language the grand design of the play becomes apparent. Besides clarifying the role of Shylock, juxtaposing Granville's adaption and Shakespeare's original reveals the tragic undertones and the satiric mode of Shakespeare's play, a revelation which is essential to any real understanding of "The Merchant of Venice". ...