The Merchant of Venice Shylock Quotes

Shylock

Quote 7

SHYLOCK
Out upon her! Thou torturest me, Tubal. It
was my turquoise! I had it of Leah when I was a
bachelor. I would not have given it for a wilderness
of monkeys. (3.1.14)

In the previous passage Shylock was made out to be a jerk who cares more about money than his own family. Here, however, we see Shylock in a different light as he responds to the news that Jessica has traded a family heirloom for a pet monkey.  

The turquoise ring Jessica discarded is important to Shylock because it was a gift from his dead wife, not because it's worth a lot of money. So here we can see that Shylock isn't exactly the money-grubbing villain he's been made out to be. His pained response to Jessica's actions reveals that he is human and loved his wife very deeply.

Shylock

Quote 8

SHYLOCK
I'll have my bond. Speak not against my bond.
I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond. (3.3.5-6)

Shylock is often portrayed as a money-grubber, but here we can see that he's not at all interested in profiting off of Antonio and Bassanio. Shylock wants to collect his pound of flesh and even refuses to accept triple the amount of money he's owed, which suggests that money isn't everything to him.

Shylock

Quote 9

SHYLOCK
Signior Antonio, many a time and oft
In the Rialto you have rated me
About my moneys and my usances.
Still have I borne it with a patient shrug
(For suff'rance is the badge of all our tribe).
You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog,
And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine,
And all for use of that which is mine own.
Well then, it now appears you need my help.
Go to, then. You come to me, and you say
"Shylock, we would have moneys"—you say so,
You that did void your rheum upon my beard,
And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur
Over your threshold. Moneys is your suit.
What should I say to you? Should I not say
"Hath a dog money? Is it possible
A cur can lend three thousand ducats?" Or
Shall I bend low and, in a bondman's key,
With bated breath and whisp'ring humbleness,
Say this:
"Fair sir, you spet on me on Wednesday
   last;
You spurned me such a day; another time
You call'd me 'dog'; and for these courtesies
I'll lend you thus much moneys"? (1.3.116-139)

Shylock makes the reasonable point that it would be questionable if he were simply to repay Antonio's injustices against him with kindness. This would be merciful, but Antonio doesn't ask him for mercy, nor does Shylock seem too keen to give it. Their hatred of each other may have been justified, but when Antonio comes to seek help from Shylock, the tables are turned. Shylock can rightfully demand an apology, or at least some recognition of the injustice against him.