What does The Merchant of Venice reflect about religious intolerance in early Elizabethan society?

Economics is a prime concern in The Merchant of Venice, and one major critical perspective treats the play as a clash between emerging mercantile sensibilities and religious traditions. During Shakespeare's time, usury (lending money for interest) became an accepted business practice as profits became increasingly more important than religious principles. The rivalry between Antonio andShylock is often viewed as an example of two conflicting business ethics. Although Shylock rep resents usury as a pragmatic and legitimate business practice, Antonio embodies a more idealistic perspective of the profession. Following Christian precepts, the merchant generously lends his money interest-free because his wealth and means allow him to do so. This fundamental economic contention, in addition to the two characters' religious differences, establishes their enmity toward one another and creates a rivalry that reaches its climax in the trial sequence (Act IV, scene i).