The Merchant of Venice

The portrayal of a Jewish money-lender in The Merchant of Venice, who is full of bitterness and hatred, unrelenting in his pursuit of revenge against his enemies, can stir up feelings of unease in Jews and non-Jews alike. This book shows how directors, actors, and critics have sought by various strategies to exorcise the demon of anti-semitism.

Warren Chernaik is visiting Professor of English at King's College London, Emeritus Professor of English at the University of London and a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of English Studies.