The transition for Shylock from Act 1: Scene 3 to Act 3: Scene 3 is a great one. Much like many characters who you would consider the villain in a story, Shylock has experiences which changes his outlook on life. A good example of this happening to a character in a work of fiction is Dr Octopus from, Sam Raimi’s, Spider-Man 2. This development of character affects many of the things which he does but it is easiest to compare his interactions with Antonio. This is because it is with Antonio that Shylocks biggest hatred develops.
The famous bond from the Merchants of Venice is that of the pound of flesh for three thousand ducats. The bond which Antonio holds for Shylock is first seen by Shylock to be amusing and small to him. Shylock agrees to give Antonio the bond, from Act 1: Scene 3; “Give him direction for this merry bond, And I will go and purse the ducats straight, …”. Shylocks usage of the phrase “merry bond” is to express his pleasure in having a bond which is quite ridiculous. Without this sentence, and a few others like it, than Shylocks character in the two scenes would almost be the same. This is because, overall, it is quite and evil thing to set a bond which asks for a “pound of flesh”.
Shylocks losses from Act 1: Scene 3 to Act 3: Scene 3 is enough to change his tone of voice from being amused to quite annoyed. We can see this as one of the first things we hear Shylock say to Antonio in Act 3: Scene 3 is “I’ll have my bond. Speak not against my bond. I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond.”. What was at one point merely a fun game for him is now his life goal. His tone has also taken an unexpected turn for he is now very blunt with his intentions.
Classroom Super Edit:
Note: Mention how Shylock hates Antonio in both Act 1; Scene 3 and Act 3; Scene 3. For example, how Shylock expressed his feelings towards Antonio in Act 1; Scene 3 was much more open than in Act 3; Scene 3.
Paragraph of Flesh:
“I hate him for he is Christian…” Shylock openly states in Act 1; Scene 3. In private residence, Shylock fears not the possible consoquencea. Most probably this is due to him being in a ‘safe’ place. The time that Act 3; Scene 3 roles around Shylock is afraid to be open about his feelings for Antonio is very much the alpha male of the court house.
Note: I need to add to this still.