Shylock uses his and other's beliefs as a way to segregate. His treatment towards Christians, specifically Antonio, is often unruly. In act 1, scene 3, lines 143-148, Shylock states, "If you repay me not on such a day, in such a place, such sum or sums as are expressed in the condition, let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me." If a non-Christian were to borrow money from Shylock there wouldn't be such an intimidating bond. He really knows how to hold a grudge, especially for Antonio. Shylock uses religion as his excuse for his hatred towards others. In act 2, scene 5, lines 13-15, he says," I am not bid for love: they flatter me. But yet I'll go in hate, to feed upon the prodigal Christian." Even when it's not necessary, he always finds a way to put down Christians. He really is a cruel Jew. Shylock shows harsh racism even when it is not the right time for it.
Shylock hasn't showed any respect for others, therefore, he doesn't deserve any. When Jessica took off with Shylock's money he was more worried about the ducats than losing his daughter. In act 2, scene 8, lines 18-22, Solanio says," A sealed bag, two sealed bags of ducats, of double ducats, stolen from me by my daughter! And jewels- two stones, two rich and precious stones, stolen by my daughter! Justice! Find the girl! She hath the stones upon her, and the ducats!" Even from other's point of views, all he cares about is his money. For a person like him that will never change. He almost treats Lancelot like a slave. In act 2, scene 3, lines 94-96, Lancelot states, " My masters a very Jew; give him a present! give him a halter: I am famished in his service: you may tell every finger I have with my ribs." He shouldn't treat Lancelot that harsh, even if he is his servant. Shylock's interactment towards others is not appreciated.
Shylock wants to make sure he will get his bond, no matter what. He won't even let money get in the way. In act 4, scene 1, lines 85-87, Shylock says, "If every ducat in your six thousand ducats were in six parts and every part a ducat, I would not draw them: I would have my bond!" He doesn't want the bond for the flesh, he wants it for revenge. Justice and law even come to play in his fight for the bond. In act 4, scene 1, Lines 99-103, Shylock says, "The pound of flesh which I demand of him is nearly bought, 'tis mine, and I will have it: If you deny me, fie upon your law! There is no force in the decrees of Venice! I stand for judgement." He is so serious that if he doesn't get his bond he will blame Justice. Shylocks strong hatred towards Antonio makes him want the pound of flesh even more.
In this play Shylock reveals himself to be a harsh and relentless Jew that doesn't deserve respect from others. His actions have caused everyone to turn against him, even his own daughter. He is a good example of how the five factors can change a person completely. None of the factors benefited him in any way. He lost connection with all his money, justice and law didn't work in his favor, and being a Jew wasn't an advantage either. The factors could benefit a person in a good way, but in most cases they don't work cohesively.
