Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice depicts a multicultural, commercial society bound by the rule of law and informed by a Christian social ethic. Can such a community function despite its contradictions, hypocrisies, inequalities, and hatreds? Shakespeare suggests that it can but only by sacrificing some ideals in service of others, at considerable cost for human relationships.

Lunch will be provided. Spaces are limited; those wishing to attend should RSVP here.

John-Paul Spiro is Assistant Director of the Center for Liberal Education at Villanova University.