Shakespeare Expert Puzzled By Shylock Crossword Flap

Talking about ‘Merchant of Venice’ and the ADL with Barry Edelstein

By Adam Chandler for Tablet Magazine

On Friday, the Tribune Media Services published a crossword puzzle with the clue “Shylock, e.g.” in several of its newspapers. The corresponding three-letter answer: J-E-W. Jew. Within hours, Abe Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League had written a letter in protest calling the clue “insensitive,” demanding an apology, and frustrating crossword enthusiasts who hadn’t yet done their puzzles.

Perhaps the puzzle authors were unaware of the use of Shakespeare’s Shylock character throughout the years as a vehicle for anti-Semitism. Selecting Shylock to elicit the answer ‘Jew’ demonstrates cultural ignorance and an extreme lack of sensitivity. Even if done inadvertently, such a linkage perpetuates classic anti-Semitic stereotypes of Jews as evil and money-hungry.”

For its part, the Tribune Media Services quickly apologized, ran an apology in a number of its papers, and swore to never use the clue ever again. The ADL commended them for their “swift action” and the dance was complete.

But was this clue actually offensive? After all, is Shylock–one of the more polarizing characters in all of literature–not a Jew? To help gain some clarity, I sought out Barry Edelstein, the Artistic Director of the Old Globe in San Diego, who took a break from preparing for the Old Globe’s major production of The Merchant of Venice to speak with me.

The Old Globe is Edelstein’s third major production of the Shakespeare play, including a previous production that starred Al Pacino as Shylock. “The only person who has Shylock on his mind more than me right now,” Edelstein confessed, “is Antonio.” Edelstein’s been too busy to hear about the crossword controversy, but when I told him about it, he was a little bit confused:

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