The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1899-11-01
Hlgh School Bulletin.
EDITORIAL STAFF.
Editor-in- -Chisf-Los Robinson, 90.
Assistant Editor-christins Brown. '02.
Local Editor-florenee stone, '00
A CHARACTER SKETCH.
EDITORIAL STAFF.

lhe characters OI Jne lnuiNiuudls
portrayed in the drama, THE Merchant
of Venice" are not unique OF their
kind. Many who lived in the past had
characters Of which these are typical,
and even to-day we have many who
have the oddities of some, the natural
faithfulnoss, popularity or charitable
kindness of others.
The three most prominent 10 the fore
ground OF this portrayal Of life are An
tonic. Shylock and Portia, who, differ
ing widely in their natures, make
good contrast between true, faithful
friendship, unscrupulous greed, and
womanly tact and prudence. Antonio
was n quiet, thoughtful and unassum-
ing nature. An unusual sadness OPP
pressed him at this time. Sad. he knew
not why; not because of love or business
cares. Often sadness will oppress be-
fore some impending evil and this
may be the cause OF the sadness OF our
fair Antonio. In contrast with our inn
pusive Bassanio, Antonio reminds us
very much OF dropping flower which,
fortune having turned against, seems
ready to fall heir to the calamities Of
fate. Yet even in his sadness the ever
ready and helpful Antonio had thought
for others and inquired the cause of his
friends disturbed peace of mind. AS a
true friend he was ready to lay down
all, even his life, in payment for the
debt of friend, and mo greater love
hath man than this, that he lay down
his life for his friend" A bond is made
and il forfeited Il pound Of Antonio's
flesh is required. more TO satisfy evil
love OF revenge than real payment Of
the bond. The bond is forfeited and
Antonio, faithful TO his promise, will
pay it with his life. During the trial,
how calm he is. And with what quiet
ness of spirit he faces the tyranny and
rage OF his unfeeling foe. How bravely
he awaits death. But when fortune
again favors him he renders mercy to
the unmerciful jew, who with evil grasp
would have so readily snatched his life
from him. The goods which the JUS
tice gave into Antonio's hands were
given back to the jew on the condition
that upon his death he renders it to his
daughter, Jessica. Antonio was God
fearing man and his christian character
is here clearly shown for mercy is an
attribute OF God and
And earthly power doth then show likest
Where mercy seasons Justice"
Shylock. too, and others
OF like character could say,
DAILY with souls that cringe and plot,
We Sinais climb"
For beside christian Antonio we have
the evil-minded. evil-souled Shylock.
His greed for gold and fear Of losing
taught him TO be shrewd in business.
But almost like Pharisee he bad deal
ings with the christians but thought
himself too righteous to pray or have
any fellowship with them. The deceit
of his nature is shown in his words,
"Rest you fair good signor Antonio; your
worship was the last in our mouths. F"
81 would be friends with you," and then
he says aside, ~ hate him, cursed be
my tribe If forgive him." II will have
the heart Of him, II he forfeit" Gold
appears to be his god and yet his adora-
tion OF 1t is not as ardent as his love for
christian hood. The loss Of his beau
tiful daughter, Jessica, his own flesh
and blood, was not as great loss to
him as the loss OF the gold and jewels
she had taken with her or the money
lost in seeking her. Yet even in his
sorrow over the loss Of her, he showed
Joy at the news of Antonio's failure, and
his love of revenge.
He portrays a cruel and villainous
nature during the court trial. In his
impatience for the trial to proceed in
order that he might the sooner gain the
object he coveted, his pleasure in re-
venge increased as he heard the sen
tence, prepare thy bosom for the
knife" addressed to Antonio But al
last, fortune being against him, he Is
subdued and kindness shown him By
the merchant whom he so longed to kill
FLORENCE c. STONE.
-
LOCALS.
Prof. to Sr.-What answer did yol
get to the question?
Sr.-It isn't right.
Prof. How do you know?
Sr.--Because ! never get them right
Miss Kittie Shick has returned 4
our midst after an absence Of three
weeks
Prof.-How would you make spiri
Thermometer?
Sr.-I wouldn't make any.
Rev. Reno addressed the school OF
Monday morning.
DR.. Foust was a visitor of the school