SHYLOCK AS HERO

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 September 1934, Page 9

SHYLOCK AS HERO

A JEWISH COMPLAINT. Was Shylock a hero or a villain? Tho question, which hits been canvassed for some years among literary critics, has now’ been brought forward by the Board of Deputies, of British Jews as a matter which affects them wherever “Tho Merchant of Venice” (or Mary Lamb's story of the play) is taught in schools. ft is urged by the Board, that the "unsympathetic interpretation.” of the character creates a prejudice in the minds of school-children against Jews. No objection is taken to the play, the greatness of which is recognised, but it is felt that either the play should not be taught in schools, or that the character of Shylock should be “interpreted” by the teacher in such a way that the dignity and nobility of the Jew should not be obscured by the less pleasant traits of his character. It may be remembered 4 that in the opinion of some critics, Shy lock, bycontrast with the other male characters, emerges as a heroic figure. No action is at present contemplated by tho Board, but the position is being carefully watched. If necessary, they will protest to the Board of Education.