William Shakespeare'sThe Merchant Of Venice

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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:

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