The theme of prejudice in The Merchant of Venice by William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare's satirical play, The Merchant of Venice, is an examination of hatred and greed . Prejudice is a dominant theme in The Merchant of Venice, particularly taking the form of anti-Semitism. Shylock is stereotypically described as "dressed in a recognizably Jewish manner in a long gabardine robe, probably black, with a red beard and/or a wing like that of Judas, and a putty or bottle nose" (Charney, p. 41 ). Shylock is a defensive character because society constantly reminds him that he is different in religion, appearance, and motivations. He finds comfort in the law because he himself is an outcast of society. Shylock is an outsider who is unaware of the rights afforded to the citizens of Venice. The Venetians consider Shylock a capitalist motivated solely by greed, while they consider themselves Christian exemplars of piety. When Shylock considers taking Antonio's bond using his ships as collateral, his bitterness is evident when he quips, "But the ships are only on board, the sailors but men. There are land rats and water rats, thieves of water and land thieves - I mean pirates - and then there is the danger of waters, winds and rocks" (I.iii.25). Shylock believes that the Venetians are hypocrites due to their ownership of slaves. The Venetians justify their practice of slavery by simply saying, "The slaves are ours" (IV.i.98-100). During the trial sequence, Shylock argues persuasively: "Ye have among you many purchased slaves, who (like your asses, your dogs, and your mules). Ye have us in abject and servile parts, because ye have bought them, I must tell you, leave them free, marital to your heirs... you will answer: "The slaves are ours", - so I answer you: the pound of flesh (which I ask of them) is paid at a high price, it is mine and I will have it" ( IV.i.90-100). Shakespeare's portrayal of the Venetians is paradoxical. They too are a capitalist people and willingly accept his money, however they avoid him personally. Like American society, 16th-century Venice sought to consolidate its commercial reputation through integration, but at the same time practiced social exclusion. Even though they reached out to his Shylock's money, they turned their backs on him socially. When Venetian merchants needed usurious capital to finance their business ventures, Jews flocked to Venice in large numbers.