When we were reading the novel “Daughter of Venice,” we noticed that how Venetians feel or think about Venice during the Renaissance time period. In this story, many Venetians think Venice is a beautiful and attracting city, and they think Venice is tolerate to the people who don’t have Venetian heritage like Jews and Muslims. They are living in the Ghetto and make money, which become a profit for Venice. Also, some Venetians think the law of Venice is good, and fair to the whole Venetians. They think Venice gives a freedom to the people compare to the other cities.
Many Venetians think Venice is tolerated to the Jews and Muslims etc. “The Ghetto is a hotchpotch of everyone who doesn’t have Venetian heritage. Jews from Spain and Portugal, Protestants from Holland, Muslims from Constantinople and Salonika and Cairo. Somehow they all manage.” (Pg.101) “And the Republic of Venice tolerates all of them for the same reason. It’s a question of money, little sister. Tolerance is good business.” (Pg.101) These quotes show that The Venice government let all different kinds of people mixed together and live in the Ghetto in Venice, the reason is they can get the profit from them. (Like money) For example, in Venice, Jews are working in the bank and they are good at it, so the Venice government let them live in their city for their own benefit.
Also, some Venetians (especially men) think the law of Venice is fair and equitable to people compare to other cities in Italy. “‘It’s a good law,’ says Father, ‘because it ensures a kind of equality among brothers that engenders family loyalty. In some of the other city-states outside Venice, only the oldest son inherits. The rest must prevail on the generosity of the oldest or join the priesthood or set out on their own, which almost certainly dooms them to a life of meager means.’” (Pg.44) Donata’s father thinks the law of Venice is legitimate and giving a freedom to the people. When he said this, he compared the law of other city-states and announced the difference between Venice and other cities. He is very proud about this city.
We knew how Venetians think about their own city. During Renaissance times, many Venetians feel their city is tolerate to the other people from other countries or other religions. The Venice government allowed them to live in Ghetto. Also, some Venetians think the law of Venice is fair to all people compare to the other cities. They think Venice has more freedom than other city-states in Italy. After I read this book, I felt during these time period, Venetians were very proud to their city, Venice.
