The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare is one of his most controversial plays for various reasons. Written in 16th-century England, where anti-Semitism was common and the presence of Jews was not present, the play asks many questions regarding racial, religious, and human differences. The play is particularly tricky to examine in today's society, as its anti-Semitic themes and language can be uncomfortable to confront in a post-Holocaust world. Additionally, the depiction of the relationship between Jews and Christians, which has always been ambivalent, adds a very interesting but difficult dimension to this play. Ultimately, through a dramatic plot and distinctive characters, The Merchant of Venice explores what it means to be Jewish and what it means to be Christian. A closer look at these opposing groups reveals inconsistencies between what the characters preach and what they practice, as well as their problematic notions of justice, mercy, and love. Although he clearly fills the role of villain and main antagonist in this play, Shylock's character is extremely complex and multi-dimensional. It appears to have two sides that can be emphasized or emphasized in order to create a fundamentally different piece, as has been done many times throughout history; Post-Holocaust reproductions, for example, are obviously radically different from those that may have existed before (Rich 1). In most modern adaptations, Shylock is seen as a sympathetic character, perhaps in part because of the widespread acceptance in most modern societies of people from diverse religious and racial backgrounds. However, it is entirely possible that Shakespeare, who was a genius playwright famous for his complex and multi-faceted characters, del...... middle of paper ...... actually saw this as a happy ending for the character of Shylock. (4); by converting, he is “saved” from the possibility that “misfortune [can] pass through… / … an unfaithful Jew” (2.4.35-37). This article has barely scratched the surface of the religious and moral complexity that is The Merchant of Venice. , but it's clearly a complicated play and for many reasons: the racist tension, the anti-Semitic language, and the morally ambiguous characters. What makes this play so exciting is that it provides neither answers nor apologies, causing continued disagreement as to what is actually happening in this play. Shakespeare's multi-layered characters and complex depictions of mercy, justice, love, religion, and difference produce a remarkable work that has kept people talking and guessing for centuries, and will certainly continue for centuries to come..