William Shakespeare'sThe Merchant Of Venice
“The Merchant of Venice” written in the 16th century in 1596 and
originally a comedy. The play is about Antonio who lends money to his
friend, Bassanio, because he wants to marry a rich heiress, Portia.
Although Antonio’s money is tied up in his ships, Bassanio still
allows him to borrow some on his behalf. Portia cannot choose her own
husband. In his will, her father requires suitors to choose one of
three caskets, whoever chooses the right one wins Portia. Bassanio and
Antonio borrow money off Shylock, a rich moneylender and also a Jew.
Shylock who hates Antonio and Christians, agrees to lend money to
them. If Antonio fails to pay, he demands a pound of his flesh. When
Antonio doesn’t give Shylock his money because his ships are reported
wrecked, Shylock, Antonio, Bassanio and Gratiano go to court to
witness Shylock finally demanding his judgement. Meanwhile, Shylocks
daughter, Jessica has eloped with a Christian named Lorenzo.
Antonio is a generous and kind person towards his friends. He borrowed
money to his friends Bassanio without interest. He is also a racist
towards Shylock; Antonio never uses his name when he is talking about
him. When Antonio had to give a pound of flesh to Shylock, he
declares:
I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh
Tomorrow to my bloody creditor.
When Bassanio needed to borrow money off Shylock, Antonio whispered
that Shylock was:
A villain with a smiling cheek,
A goodly apple rotten at heart
Antonio is also dignified towards death, when he was in the Dukes
palace; Antonio tells Portia:
I do beseech the court
To give the judgement
Antonio also persuades Bassanio to give the ring Portia gave him to
the judge because the judge helped Antonio during the court case,
Bassanio wanted to give 2 things to the judge to remember him by, the
judge chose Bassanio’s gloves and the ring, Bassanio refused to give
the judge the ring, but Antonio said the judge deserved the ring: