Fie Upon Your Law! Power Dynamics In The Merchant Of Venice Illustrated In The(IL)Legal Treatment Of Shylock

This thesis intends to examine the power dynamics in The Merchant of Venice, aplay that deals with a large number of intercultural relations, from three perspectives,respectively religion, sexuality and gender. The textual analysis starts with the legalityof the trial scene; the (il)legality of Shylock′s treatment reflects the conflict andinequality between the different cultures in the play. Through its numerous andheterogeneous adaptations, this play has convincingly proven its malleability, whichhas been (mis)appropriated for various purposes, some of which are not glorious.Therefore, in today‘s world, where globalization is decreasing the distances betweencultures and formerly subdued sub-cultures are yearning for their legitimate rights, itis highly imperative to reach one correct interpretation of this play that will be mostsuitable and beneficial. In its textual analysis, the thesis is informed by theconceptualization of power proposed by Michel Foucault.