Abstract:
This essay discusses Jessica's ambiguous and deceitful relationship towards her paternal figure Shylock, in The Merchant of Venice. Jessica's elopement and negation of the paternal figure are pervaded by qualms of conscience and shame, suggesting that both are the over-determining traits of Jessica's inwardness. The language in Jessica and Lorenzo's dialogue suggests that their love is probably insincere, once Jessica constantly asks questions doubting their love, which can be motivated by the opportunity to elope and take Shylock's fortune. Similarly, Lorenzo's love for Jessica is enhanced by carnal and erotic connotations during the play.
Keywords:
Conscience; Inwardness; Denial of the Paternal Figure; The Merchant of Venice