Mosaic Law in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice"

Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice is examined on an allegorical level, with Shylock the Jew portrayed as representing the Mosaic Law, and Antonio the Merchant of Venice portrayed as a Christ figure who represents the New Law. The religious convictions of the era are presented by examining the works of Richard Hooker as representative of his milieu. Traditional religious theology, both Jewish and Christian, is examined to establish a basis for the battle that ensues. Evidence is presented to establish a Jewish presence in England prior to their admission by Oliver Cromwell. This presence is argued to have influenced Shakespeare in his writing and precipitates a battle in which the two opposing philosophies do battle. The sides are carefully drawn and a celestial battle takes place. The allegories are described and then used to define the antagonists in terms that fit their allegorical nature.