Shakespeare's main intention of creating Shylock, the protagonist, is to showcase the intense prejudice of Jews during the Elizabethan Era through the usage of a whole individual. This way, anti-semitism is brought out in a situation the audience can relate to, and makes his play a whole lot more interesting and convincing.
First, I would like to emphasise the comparison of character between Antonio, a Christian, and Shylock, a Jew. The biggest similarity among both of them is that they are filthy rich and can afford to give huge chunks of their fortune away. However, Antonio is perceived as a sincere and generous good friend, whereas Shylock is presented as a demanding and sly old miser. Of course, their character might have nothing to do with their religion, but this obvious contradiction persists throughout the entire play, indicating the bad nature of Jews.
Also, anti-semitism is shown through the numerous insults and criticisms of Jews by Christians, and is even a common practice throughout most citizens of Venice. It is evident that Christians have a higher status in society than Jews, and look down upon them as 'devils'.
The main reason for anti-semitism to be the theme of this play, 'Mechant of Venice', is most probably to satisfy the monarch of those days, Queen Elizabeth, as she was undeniable prejudiced against Jews. Her laws and policies banished Jews from society, and Shakespeare works on this fact to promote his own play.
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