"The Merchant of Venice" What is Shylock shown as? Why is he made to seem this way? Is he good or Evil?

In William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant Of Venice", the character of Shylock is portrayed mainly as an evil Jew. He is based on the typical stereotype of a Jew from Shakespeare's time. They were despised and mocked in most places. However at times Shylock can be pitied.
Shylock's evil is emphasised with the repetition of "the evil Jew", which is said by several other characters throughout the play. This is well used as it constantly reminds us of the "evil Jew" all the way through the play.
From the commencement of the play Shylock's strong disgust of Antonio is shown. We are first to…