Why Does Jessica Hate Shylock in The Merchant of Venice?

In William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, the character of Jessica, Shylock's daughter, harbors a deep-seated hatred towards her father. This hatred is rooted in an oppressive environment, her father's values, her desire for escape, the treatment of others, and cultural conflict. Together, these factors contribute to a complex and nuanced portrayal of Jessica's journey towards self-identity and freedom.

Oppressive Environment in Shylocks House

Shylock, a Jewish moneylender in the play, is depicted as a man who adheres strictly to his faith and insists on maintaining the cultural identity of his community. This adherence creates a stifling environment for Jessica, who feels trapped in her father's house. Shakespeare portrays Jessica as someone who yearns for freedom and love, in sharp contrast to her father's priorities. The house becomes a place of strictness and isolation.

Fathers Values and Obsession with Wealth

Shylock is a character who prioritizes money and his business over familial relationships. His obsession with wealth and his desire for revenge against Antonio, a Christian merchant, is starkly different from Jessica's desire for love and freedom. These differing values lead to a sense of alienation in Jessica. She feels disconnected from her father's world and the values he embodies.

Desire for Escape and Elopement

Jessica's yearning for escape from her father's control and the constraints of her identity as a Jew is a driving force in the play. Her elopement with Lorenzo, a Christian, symbolizes her desire to break away from her father's influence and the expectations of her community. This act of elopement is a potent expression of her struggle to assert her own identity, separate from the one her father tries to impose on her.

Shylocks Treatment of Others

Jessica witnesses her father's harsh treatment of others, particularly Christians. Shylock's bitterness and desire for revenge make it difficult for Jessica to respect him. Instead, she increasingly views him as a heartless creature who earns money from others' misfortunes. Her statement, "I am a daughter to his blood but not to his manners," encapsulates her feelings of hatred towards her father's behavior.

Cultural Conflict and Conversion

The tension between Jewish and Christian identities is a central theme in the play. Jessica's decision to convert to Christianity upon marrying Lorenzo is a significant act that reflects her rejection of her father's world and her desire to embrace a different identity. This conversion is not just a change in belief but a profound shift in her self-perception and sense of belonging.

In summary, Jessica's feelings towards Shylock stem from her desire for freedom, her father's oppressive nature, and the cultural and personal conflicts that arise from their relationship. Her actions, particularly her elopement and conversion, are powerful symbols of her struggle to assert her own identity separate from her father's.