In Act 3, we see how many of the characters seem to miss the point of Shylock’s motivations. While Shylock’s actions are no doubt unreasonably cruel, Antonio completely misses the point. When Shylock repeats over and over again, ” I will have my bond”, Antonio believes that this is purely directed toward him. He thinks that Shylock is upset that he loses business due to Antonio’s no-interest loans. In reality, Shylock is upset at society and Antonio for their treatment of Jewish people like himself. He has lost his daughter and his servant due to anti-Semitism without any repayment. In Shylock’s perspective, He does not intend to let the anti-Semitic Antonio steal from him too.
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