THE JEW WHICH SHAKESPEARE DREW
THE JEW WHICH SHAKESPEARE DREW

Summary/Abstract: The main objective of this paper is the analysis of the Jewish presence in England since Medieval to Shakespeare's time and the presence of Jews in England, which can be traced back to an early period in its history. There is no clear evidence whether they accompanied Julius Caesar in his invasion of Britain in 55 B.C.; but Ŕ as we have already seen Ŕ they came over in considerable numbers during the Norman period, and subsequently Ŕ as in all other countries where they ever settled Ŕ played an important part in determining and regulating the economic condition of the kingdom. It is therefore not surprising to find references about Jews in every section of English literature. Most of these references should embody the popular Middle Ages stereotypes inspired by intense religious fanaticism, profound racial antipathy, and a profound ignorance of the personality of the Jew.

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