The Merchant of Venice and Shylock

You know who Shylock is, right?

In The Merchant of Venice, there’s this moneylender, totally stunned by the verdict to take a pound of flesh without spilling any blood. I read that book back in elementary school, and now all I recall is that scene and the name ‘Shylock.’ Still, my answer is

‘Yeah, I know.’

I might not remember every detail, but it’s not like I don’t know. No matter what, I did read that book. 📚

‘Did you know most people don’t even know who Shylock is?’

So they say.

‘Just the other day, while chatting with friends, I mentioned how some folks don’t know ‘Shylock,’ and one of them asked me the protagonist’s name.’

I don’t know that either. Was the protagonist’s name ever mentioned in that story? (Actually, it’s a comedy, so the characters are introduced at the beginning.) If someone asked me the protagonist’s name, I might have had a hard time convincing them I’ve actually read The Merchant of Venice. 🤔

‘But you know, I was kind of embarrassed not knowing the main character myself.’

I spoke with a smile, pretending like I knew it all along.

‘You know, it happens. The whole story about cutting flesh near the heart for stealing bread is pretty wild, right?’

‘…..’

After a brief silence, she said,

‘That’s Jean Valjean.’

‘… So, why was Antonio in court then?’

Suddenly, miraculously, the protagonist’s name popped out of my mouth.

Merry Christmas. 🎄

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