Shylock as Animal
Multiple characters refer to Shylock as a dog at different times throughout the play, denigrating him and implying that he is subhuman. The most vicious of these slurs comes from Gratiano, who says, "O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog, / ...Thy currish spirit / Governed a wolf who, hanged for human slaughter, / Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet" (3.3). In this metaphor, Gratiano compares Shylock to an evil and debased "spirit" that would commit something as foul as "human slaughter." Again, the comparison of Shylock to a ravenous wolf or dog emphasizes the Christian characters' perception of him as something malicious and inhuman.
Antonio Anticipates his Death
Just before the trial, Antonio is convinced that he will die after the pound of flesh agreement is carried out. While Bassanio tries to comfort him, Antonio uses a metaphor to compare himself to both a weak animal and low-hanging fruit, saying, "I am a tainted wether of the flock, / Meetest for death: the weakest kind of fruit / Drops earliest to the ground, and so let me" (4.4). In this metaphor, Antonio has all but accepted what he sees as his impending death; after losing all of his financial security, he perceives himself as vulnerable and useless.
Shylock's Rhetoric
Early on in the play, Antonio warns Bassanio of Shylock's rhetorical skill. He cautions him, "Mark you this, Bassanio, the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek" (1.3). In this simile, Antonio compares Shylock to the Devil deceptively quoting the bible, a contradiction that suggests Shylock's smooth words do not reflect his true intentions.
Portia's Picture
During his attempt to win Portia's hand in the casket lottery, the Prince of Morocco flatters Portia by saying, "Never so rich a gem was set in worse than gold" (2.7). In this metaphor, the Prince compares Portia's portrait to a rare gem, saying that such a gem would never be buried in anything less than gold (which leads him to incorrectly select the gold casket).
Jessica's Flight
When Jessica flees Venice to elope with Lorenzo, Solanio describes Shylock's reaction. He says, "And Shylock, for his own part, knew the bird was fledged; and then it is the complexion of them all to leave the dam" (3.1). Here, Solanio uses a metaphor to compare Jessica to a bird who is ready to fly, as it is a natural part of growing up and becoming autonomous.
