The political parallels of Trump and Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice'

THE second coming of Trump on the political platform of the United States with his arse open for would be willing leakers reminds me of Shylock, the money lender in the Merchant of Venice. But the book comes with entertaining memories.

- PALI LEHOHLA

In 1969 at the age of twelve I was in the seventh year of schooling and a year shy away from sitting for the exit exams that would qualify me to enter the five year duration of secondary and high school study.

In my class were some distinguished veteran scholars who were aged 25 and 26 years respectively.

These veterans had been on it from the day my eldest brother who is thirteen years older than myself set foot in school.

They had been in class with each of my four siblings subsequently and ultimately myself. I was the last to share experience of studying with them. Our set book was The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare the greatest author of literature.

Those who read the work of Shakespeare will know how complex it is to read it. It comes deep with Victorian English of thou and shalt and third person expressions and long complex sentences.

In the 20th Century Shakesperean writing appear akin to English. It is not easy to read.

By way of background Shylock, the Jew was a shrewd money lender and between himself and Antonio, a wealthy merchant, there was no love lost. Antonio had his dear friend Bassanio, who needed money.