Xenophobia

 By analyzing the dialogues and events in The Merchant of Venice, it is clear that economy, commercial competition and Judaism are the most perceptible elements of group conflict in this play, thereby fostering xenophobia among the dramatic characters.

Foreign characters in The Merchant of Venice are more suitable for classification as in-group and out-group than in other plays by Shakespeare. The element of xenophobia in The Merchant of Venice is more distinguished, as the main character is more tangible and the threat to Antonio’s life is more vivid than in conflicts between Caliban and Prospero, or Othello against Iago.

Othello’s marriage with Desdemona is being rebuked, and Iago is seen as being jealous of the power of a Moor. In The Tempest, Prospero is threatened by Caliban who is perceived as someone who can acquire power, therefore resulting in the aggression of Prospero. However, this situation is more intense in The Merchant of Venice to the extent that Shylock’s threat to the life of Antonio goes beyond a simple conflict. Shakespeare indicates religious, ethnic conflict and increased nationalism in his well-known dialogues. Where foreign characters are considered as obstacle in business progress, causing commotion in the community and family. Thus, the fear of losing the benefits results into conspiracy and felony.

By reviewing such defensive approaches toward strangers, we can see a basic social behavior toward a group of people that are different from the majority in this Xenophobia in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice 19 play. The Merchant of Venice is like a laboratory where all the elements of xenophobia can be comprehended through literature, and it creates an opportunity to read it using a social and psychological approach