The Tunnel · Chapter
XV explained
Miriam attends a performance at the Lyceum Theatre, deeply engaging with Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice.' She reflects on the characters of Shylock, Portia, and Bassanio, critiquing the portrayal of women in Shakespeare and the natur
What happens
Miriam attends a performance at the Lyceum Theatre, deeply engaging with Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice.' She reflects on the characters of Shylock, Portia, and Bassanio, critiquing the portrayal of women in Shakespeare and the nature of law and justice. Her thoughts extend to historical figures like Charles I and Cromwell, grappling with political and moral dichotomies. Accompanied by Mag, she experiences a mix of intellectual fervor and emotional connection to the play, particularly sympathizing with Shylock.
Themes in this chapter
Female Consciousness and Autonomy
Miriam critiques Shakespeare's female characters as male inventions, reflecting on women's limited representation and the need for authentic female perspectives.
Gender Roles and Patriarchy
Miriam examines men's condescension toward women's knowledge, the double standards of 'mother-wit,' and the societal constraints on women.
Class and Cultural Antisemitism
Miriam's sympathy for Shylock highlights the play's anti-Semitic undertones and her own conflicted feelings about the Christian characters' treatment of him.
The Search for Meaning and Beauty
Miriam seeks deeper truths in art and history, grappling with moral ambiguities and the beauty of Charles I's martyrdom versus Cromwell's pragmatism.
Characters to notice
- Miriam
Attends the Lyceum Theatre, deeply contemplates Shakespeare's characters, gender roles, and historical conflicts.
- Mag
Accompanies Miriam to the theatre; comments on Shakespeare's genius in eliciting sympathy for Shylock.
- Shylock
Central figure in Miriam's reflections; she sympathizes with his plight and critiques the Christian characters' smugness.
- Portia
Miriam analyzes Portia's role, noting her wit and the limitations of her character as invented by a man.
- Irving
Henry Irving, the actor; Miriam anticipates his performance and reflects on his embodiment of Charles I.
- Shakespeare
Subject of Miriam's critique; she questions the reality of his female characters and the universality of his plays.
- Cromwell
Contrasted with Charles I in Miriam's thoughts on monarchy, freedom, and justice.
- Charles
Charles I; Miriam sympathizes with his gentleness and struggles with the moral complexities of his execution.
Key passages
“everything in life depends upon women? тАЬA civilisation can never rise above the level of its women.тАЭ”
Miriam questions whether society's progress is tied to women's status, quoting a maxim about civilization and women.
Reflects Miriam's feminist critique and her search for women's role in shaping society.
“Portia? She had been quite complacent about being unkind to the Jew. She had been invented by a man.”
Miriam criticizes Portia's cruelty toward Shylock and notes that her character was created by a male author.
Highlights Miriam's awareness of gender bias in literary representation.
“He shows you that you do sympathise with Shylock; Mag thinks that is something to admit shamefacedly.”
Mag acknowledges that Irving's performance forces sympathy for Shylock, but feels embarrassed about it.
Illustrates the tension between societal norms and personal empathy.
“I am something between a man and a woman; looking both ways.”
Miriam sees herself as embodying both masculine and feminine traits, observing from dual perspectives.
Reveals Miriam's complex gender identity and self-awareness.
