Coon, 1

Mitchel Coon
Mrs. Rutan
AP Literature and Composition
16 February 2015
Word Count: 633
Why Shakespeare is Timeless
Shakespeare is timelesseveryone is aware of that. What people question is
why he is timeless. The Bards gaping plot holes and limited poetry lend
themselves as arguments to those who say is reputation is ballooned; however,
Shakespeares development of stock characters to challenge cultural barriers
reveals the magnificence of his literature.
In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare subtly argues against the gender
inequalities in society. He characterizes a strong literary womanPortiain a
comical manner that disguises his argument. Throughout the play, Portia openly
reveals her negative opinions of men; she says, I had rather [some men] should
shrive me than wive me, (1.2.24) after describing royal fools, princely drunkards,
and dukes of greed. This statement, although presented as comic relief, vouches
for women to hold more power in society.
This feminist revelation hidden between the bouts of laughter alters the
audiences beliefs on gender inequality. This altering is magnified by Shakespeares
decision to have a heroinerather than a herosave the day. Only when Antonio is
on the brink of death does Portia enter the scene (dressed as a man) (4.1.151).
Minutes after reading the broken bond, she reveals the bond doth give [Shylock] no
jot of blood (4.1.162)a loophole that saves our protagonists life and humiliates
Shylock. Again Shakespeare presents his argument through comedy; because a

Coon, 2
woman could only be the heroine dressed as a male but could parry with the law
unlike any man, the audience can see their societys faults. In this way, the climax
of this play both attacks the 17th century society and expedites feminist ideas.
Shakespeare further advocates for gender equality by having women
dominate in their romantic relationships. Both Portia and Nerissa make fools of their
husbands in the last scenes of the play: the men think they are cuckholds after
[they] gave [their] [wedding] ring[s] away (5.1.193). Although acted out as a
joke, this ploy tips the balance of the relationships in favor of the ladies (something
unthinkable in the 17th century). It is through these female empowering plot points
that the Bard contests his societys gender roles.
Shakespeare does not limit himself to one political argument in this classic
comedy; he also argues against religious prejudice. The antagonistShylock (a
Jew)in The Merchant of Venice, despite being humiliated, is given several key
speeches that shame those that are anti-Semitic.
When questioned why he is taking the forfeiture of the bond, Shylock
responds with an infamous speech. In this monologue with impeccable diction, he
argues that Jews are equal to Christians and should be treated equally; the speech
sums to Revengeshould [be] [a Christian wronged Jews] sufferanceby Christian
example (3.1.97). Shakespeare giving such a disliked character such strong lines
with a compelling connotation undeniably supports religious equality.
Shakespeare continues his holy debate by continuing to give Shylock
respectable quotes. After the Duke of Venice chastises him for requiring the bond
be paid as prescribed, he flawlessly attacks similar inhumane acts done by
Christians. He declares that he bought the pound of flesh in the same way

Coon, 3
[Christians] bought [slaves] (4.1.146). This calculated answer, despite the evil
motive, characterizes Shylock as intelligent and mocks the injustices people of his
religion face. It brings sympathy to his cause and brings the social conflict of
religious equality to light.
In The Merchant of Venice, the Bard argues against two 17th century social
beliefsboth of which continue to the present day. His insight on the themes of
women in power and Jewish harassment gives justice to both oppressed groups.
These moral teachings and political arguments, along with so many others, are the
reason the Shakespearean literature has been praised over the centuries and will
continue to be praised for many more years to come.
The Bard is timeless.