Passage From the Text
Gratiano: O be thou damned, inexecrateble dog, and for thy life let justice be accused. Thou almost mak'st me waver in my faith-to hold opinion with Pythagoras that souls of animals infuse themselves into the trunks of men! Thy currish spirit governed a wolf who hanged for human slaughter; even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet, and whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam, infused itself in thee; for thy desires are wolvish, bloody, starved, and ravenous.
Shylock: Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond thou but offend'st thy lungs to speak so loud. Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall to cureless ruin. I stand here for law. (IV.i.130-146)
Shylock: Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond thou but offend'st thy lungs to speak so loud. Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall to cureless ruin. I stand here for law. (IV.i.130-146)
Response to the Text
10) This argument between Gratiano and Shylock reminds me of other modern conflicts between youth and wisdom in the form of old age. Youth, even today, when confronted in an argument as serious as this, are prone to curse, lose faith, and insult the character of the opposing party. Gratiano greatly exemplifies this by referring to Shylock as a wolf hungry for human flesh. On the contrary, Shylock's response is very reserved and exhibits his wisdom and calm demeanor. Shylock's age is incredibly important because he is the only main character that is not in his 20's or 30's. Shakespeare brings light to this observation by having Shylock call Gratiano a good youth in a sarcastic manner. The worst sin, at the time, that Gratiano commits is the near renouncement of his faith. Instead he refers to pagan gods by mentioning the Greek philosopher Pythagoras. This is similar to arguing youth today that are willing to make any claim to win an argument. this banter between the two parties is not limited to this passage, and remains a theme throughout the play.