Daniel Allusion

What is important about the allusions that you and your partner researched? Write a paragraph explaining exactly to what the allusion on your list refers to.

In Act IV, scene I, we find an allusion to the Biblical figure named Daniel, an allusion important for multiple reasons. One, it highlights the culture. At the time, Europe was drenched in Christendom and this allusion (along with the other Biblical references throughout the play) reflect that. Another is important in the play itself, as it helps express what Shylock is feeling.

The allusion refers to Daniel, an individual discussed in the Bible as one being wise. It is specifically alluding to an early part of Daniel’s life when a trial has occurring over a woman accused of adultery named Susanna.

Daniel, in his wisdom, questioned the accusers separately and discovered they were lying due to the differences in their responses. When Shylock referred to Portia as “a Daniel,” (IV-I-2164) he was calling her a wise judge.

Rewrite the section and the allusion in modern day literal language.

Original

Portia: It must not be; there is no power in Venice

Can alter a decree established:

'Twill be recorded for a precedent,

And many an error by the same example

Will rush into the state: it cannot be.

Shylock: A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel!

O wise young judge, how I do honour thee!

Portia: I pray you, let me look upon the bond.

Translation

Portia: “It cannot be; nothing in Venice can change an established decree. The change will be recorded for a precedent, and bad legal decisions will follow suit. It can’t be.”

Shylock: “A wise judge comes to judgement. Yes, a Daniel! O wise young judge, I honor you.”

Portia: “Let me look at the contract, please.”

Compare and contrast your rewritten modern day literal language to the Shakespearean way. Which is more impactful and why? What does it impact?

Today, mine is probably more impactful because it is in the vernacular. It makes it more clear and straightforward.

Infer, based on the allusion, conflicts, characterization, or theme

Shylock is characterizing Portia as wise by referring to her as a “Daniel.” Therefore, this means that he likes what Portia is doing and thinks it is wise.

Decide what the overall effect or impact of the allusion was based on the researched information and the way that Shakespeare used it. Did it impact the plot, setting, theme, characterization, conflict, mood, tone, or author’s purpose?

It helped to convey what Shylock was feeling, as well as help characterized Shylock as a Jew (for he was referencing an Old Testament individual).

Barabbas allusion

What is important about the allusion that you and your partner researched? Write a paragraph explaining exactly to what the allusion on your list refers to.

Similarly to the reference to Daniel, this allusion shows how “Christianized” the culture was at the time. Shakespeare could make a reference to a Biblical person or event knowing that just about everyone would catch on to it.

In the play, Shylock is saying he’d rather his daughter marry one of Barabbas’ descendants rather than a Christian. By saying this, Shylock is showing his contempt towards Christianity.

Rewrite the section and the allusion in modern day literal language.

Original

Nerissa: 'Tis well you offer it behind her back;

The wish would make else an unquiet house.

Shylock: These be the Christian husbands. I have a daughter;

Would any of the stock of Barrabas

Had been her husband rather than a Christian!

We trifle time: I pray thee, pursue sentence.

Portia: A pound of that same merchant's flesh is thine:

The court awards it, and the law doth give it.

Translation

Nerissa: “That’s nice you wish that behind her back. Such a wish could start an argument.

Shylock: “That’s how Christian husbands are. I have a daughter, whom I’d rather have marry a descendant of Barabbas than a Christian. But we’re wasting time; please continue with the sentence.”

Porta: “A pound of the merchant’s flesh is yours. The court gives it to you, and the law allow it to be so.”

Compare and contrast your re-written modern day literal language to the Shakespearean way. Which is more impactful and why? What does it impact?

I believe mine is also more impactful here as well. Because mine is in the vernacular, it is more clear to the reader and straightforward.

Infer, based on the allusion, conflicts, characterization, or theme

Shylock does not like Christianity. He opposes it so much that he says he’d rather his daughter marry the descendant of a murderer than a Christian.

Decide what the overall effect or impact of the allusion was based on the researched information and the way that Shakespeare used it. Did it impact the plot, setting, theme, characterization, conflict, mood, tone, or author’s purpose?

This allusion helps characterize Shylock as someone who hates Christianity and gives scarce consideration of morality.