Religious discrimination is a constant theme in 'The Merchant Of Venice' which also applies to the villainous nature of Shylock and Antonio. They are on opposing religions and during the time period which the play is set, there was a social ranking based on religion, Antonio is a Christian so he has a higher social rank than Shylock who is a Jew. Due to the clear division between the two religions, in the play Antonio feels superior to Shylock, he has no shame in talking down to him or making fun of his beliefs. Throughout the story, Shylock on multiple occasions brings up the wrongs that have been committed against him, yet characters such as Antonio still feel that it is appropriate to "call ...[him] misbeliever" and "spit upon ...[his] Jewish gaberdine". Despite how much prejudice Antonio has displayed from his nature, he isn't the only one who shows signs of discrimination. Shylock has become a victim to Antonio's bigotry however, there is evidence of Shylock doing the same to Antonio. Regardless of the amount of money Shylock has, he will still receive less status than Antonio. As a Jew he doesn't have many rights and is looked down upon however, he uses this in his advantage. Through the ridicule which Shylock receives from Antonio, Shylock has made an assumption that all Christians are inequitable people and has built stereotypes on their religion to bring them down. He often uses stories from the bible and compares them to the way which he acts to get what he wants and to put down the Christian religion. Shylock has gained a hatred towards the religion and he no longer trusts or appreciates a Christian which he has shown with phrases such as "I hate him for he is a Christian".