Language:
English
Year of publication:
1995
Titel der Quelle:
Shakespeare Survey
Angaben zur Quelle:
48 (1995) 51-60
Keywords:
Shakespeare, William,
;
Shakespeare, William, Dramatic production
;
Jews Legal status, laws, etc. 18th century
;
History
;
Jews History 18th century
;
Antisemitism History 18th century
;
Antisemitism in literature
Abstract:
In April 1753 the British Parliament passed a bill which eased the requirements for Jewish naturalization as citizens. The ensuing wave of public opposition led to repeal of the bill in November. Two explanations have been offered to explain the controversy: traditional antisemitism, and the political struggle between Whigs and Tories in an election year. Suggests a third explanation: the vulnerability of English social and religious identity at the time. The act of redefining the status of Jews in English society raised troubling questions about the essential nature of English culture and identity. Argues that Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice" (revived in 1747), with its knife-wielding Jew, its conversion and intermarriage, its Christian servant, and its disturbing exploration of the Jews as members of an international nation and as political aliens, became a powerful weapon in the arsenal of those opposed to the naturalization of Jews. Shows how books and pamphlets of the time invoked Shakespeare's play in opposition to the bill.
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
