Theme Of Bassanio In The Merchant Of Antonio

Guessing the cause for Antonio’s sadness, Salerio and Solanio mention the wealthy man’s business ventures, and the possibility that Antonio is in love. However, Antonio denies both queries. In this incident, Antonio does not seem to perk up until his cousin, Bassanio, arrives. Therefore, according to the text, Antonio is melancholy due to the absence of his friend. Yet the older man maintains that he is ignorant of the causes of his depression. Perhaps Antonio does not know the cause of his sorrow because the man has not pursued enough avenues of thought.

Determined and hopeful, Bassanio meets Antonio to tell him of his mission. To win the heart of his true love Portia is all Bassanio desires. Upon prompting, Bassanio begins his tale of woe; the young man simply does not have the finances to pursue the wealthy Portia. As promised, Bassanio divulges everything to his older cousin- including a request; “O my Antonio, had I but the means/ To hold a rival place

Strong and intimate, the cousins’ relationship is a paradigm example of Renaissance male friendships. Despite Bassanio’s irresponsibility and naivety, Antonio continues to indulge him. One main reason for Antonio’s /indulgence/ is their friendship. Undoubtedly, I would not lend money to Bassanio.

Wisely, Bassanio has a plan in mind before approaching Bassanio. Previously to asking the older man for a loan, Bassanio already knows how to pay back his friend. In this incident, Bassanio urges Antonio to shoot another arrow his direction, as Bassanio had done in his childhood. In doing so, the younger man states that “by adventuring both,/ I oft found both” (I.i.143-144). In essence, if Antonio would risk once more, the man would find both returns back in his pocket. After winning the wealthy heiress, Bassanio will make use of her affluence and compensate his