O father Abram, what these Christians are, Whose own hard dealing teaches them suspect the thoughts of others!

O father Abram, what these Christians are, Whose own hard dealing teaches them suspect the thoughts of others!

In the play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare, the character Shylock speaks these words to his fellow Jew, Tubal, expressing his frustration and disbelief at the Christians' hypocrisy and mistrust of others. Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is constantly subjected to discrimination and mistreatment by the Christians in Venice, particularly by the merchant Antonio.

Shylock's words reflect his deep-seated resentment towards the Christians, whom he sees as hypocrites who preach love and mercy but show none towards him and his fellow Jews. He is incredulous at their ability to suspect the thoughts and intentions of others, considering their own actions towards him and his daughter, Jessica.

Throughout the play, Shylock is portrayed as a complex character who is both a victim of prejudice and a villain seeking revenge. His famous speech about the humanity of Jews, "Hath not a Jew eyes?", highlights his humanity and the injustices he faces at the hands of the Christians.

Shylock's words also reveal the theme of appearance versus reality in the play. The Christians, particularly Antonio, present themselves as virtuous and honorable individuals, but their treatment of Shylock exposes their true nature as prejudiced and cruel. Shylock's observation that their "hard dealing teaches them suspect the thoughts of others" underscores the idea that those who are quick to judge and condemn others are often guilty of the same faults themselves.