Allusion In Bassanio's The Merchant Of Venice

933 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essay about Antonio

Bassanio is talking about his love, Portia. One reason that Bassanio uses such descriptive language is to better paint a picture in the mind of his friend Antonio. Because Bassanio adds a comment about Portia’s sunny, beautiful hair, the audience is able to imagine the pretty heiress in all her splendor. Descriptive language complements the mental idea forming in the audience’s head. Without it, Portia’s character would be nebulous and insubstantial as of this point.
Jarringly, the racism of the time period pours out of Portia’s mouth in regard to her suitor, the Prince of Morocco. One example of an allusion in The Merchant of Venice is Portia’s comment about the Prince’s complexion. Drawing from the Bible, Portia references the “complexion of a devil”, or dark skin. Indirectly mentioning a book of literary significance qualifies this exchange as an incident involving an allusion. In essence, Portia’s brief mention encapsulates the racist views of the time …show more content…

One example of a metaphor is when Antonio links the world to a stage without using connecting words. Elaborating on, Antonio then informs Gratiano that of all the parts, his is a sad one. Flowery language such as this provides links between unlike things in the mind of the audience. Now, “the world is but a stage” is not uncommon in modern language, all because of Shakespeare’s brilliance.
Despite the fact that Shylock and Antonio are far from friends, Antonio’s reputation is such that Shylock trusts him to pay back the money. And this is not blind trust, but an example of ethos- Antonio has credibility. Conscientious Shylock would not loan to a destitute individual, or one unable to pay him back. Loaning money as a career requires scrupulous habits, and Shylock cannot afford to be a slipshod usurer. Therefore, the wealthy Jew must be sure that his loans will be repaid- and Shylock can sure of it, due to Antonio’s strong persuasive appeal of

Show More
Related

  • Theme Of Risk In The Merchant Of Venice

    1151 Words  | 3 Pages

    While engendering the bond in the inciting force of the play, Antonio says to Shylock – the antagonist – “Content in faith. I’ll seal to such a bond, / And say there is much kindness in the Jew” (1.3.149-150) which reveals how Antonio sees such positive terms in the deal. Although the terms may seem simples to follow, Antonio will still face the consequences of putting his life on the line for his dear friend, Bassanio. This bond portion of the play establishes relationships through the rivals and also gives background information about characters, which show the elements of dramatic significance. Subsequently, Shylock’s possessions are at stake during their trial after Antonio fails to pay him back because his argosies were abolished. Shylock’s punishment for attempting to

    Read More

  • The Theme of Deception in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

    375 Words  | 1 Pages

    We frequently see the intent of greed and selfishness covered up by the words and face of virtue. Such exploit is displayed by the exceptionally stingy Shylock, an unpopular Jew who makes his living through the practice of usury. When confronted about his unsympathetic trade, he resorts to citing scripture, thus comparing his selfish trade with the actions of holy men (I, iii, 73-87). Antonio, a well respected and honorable merchant, sees right through the falsehood of the justification and asks Shylock, "Was this inserted to make interest good? Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams?" (I, iii, 91-92). The response from Shylock to the question reveals a glimpse of his true meaning. "I cannot tell; I make it breed as fast" (I, iii, 93-94) is a rather boastful reply of his wealth than a righteous rationalization. To which Antonio can only turn to his friend and say "The devil can site Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek" (I, iii, 95-97).

    Read More

  • Theme Of Otherness In The Merchant Of Venice

    871 Words  | 2 Pages

    Portia speaks about the prince 's language like together they couldn’t have overcame the their barrier. She speaks as if he has a lack of intelligence because their languages are different. However, most marriages of royalty are made up from the man and the woman from a different country. Another example of Portia 's suitors is the prince of Morocco. The prince of Morocco not only spoke another language but did not resemble Portia in any way. For someone who is highly shamed for being another race, the Prince of Morocco thinks of himself as having just as much worth as someone of the European race. Despite knowing he has very little respect although being wealthy, the prince tries to prove himself with this monologue; " Mislike me not for my complexion, The shadow 'd livery of the burnish 'd sun, To whom I am a neighbour and near bred. Bring me the fairest creature northward born, Where Phoebus ' fire scarce thaws the icicles, And let us make incision for your love, To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine. I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine Hath fear 'd the valiant: by my love I swear The best-regarded virgins of our clime Have loved it too: I would not change this hue, Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen. (Merchant of Venice II.1.) In this passage the

    Read More

  • Hath Not a Jew Eyes? The Identity of Shylock and Purpose of Anti-Semitism in The Merchant of Venice

    1991 Words  | 4 Pages

    Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice continues to receive criticism because of the many controversial topics integrated within an already debatable plot. One such reproach is whether the play demonstrates factors of anti-Semitism or persists as a criticism of the anti-Sematic tendencies of Christians during Shakespeare’s time. The factor of genre plays an essential role in how the play is interpreted when regarding anti-Semitism, particularly when viewed as either a romantic comedy or a genre that better encompasses the financial, moral, and religious conflict that is so prominent throughout the play. For instance, when analyzed as a comedy, Shylock’s malevolence may not exactly be reviewed as comical, but nevertheless seems peculiar and outrageous at times. From a religious standpoint, however, the vehement interactions between Shylock and Antonio are clearly centered on revenge and appear much more violent than a comedic standpoint may suggest. Furthermore, because the play is “laced… with cobwebs of fraud, theft, and speculation on all sides, it is less about the pursuit of love than about the pursuit, possession, and power of money” (Russin 115). In short, while some elements of the play may be substantially different in regards to the context of today’s time period versus Shakespeare’s time period since the complexity and rich use of language may be particularly susceptible to various interpretations, there are numerous examples that clearly demonstrate certain actions of Jewish oppression. Specifically, Shakespeare implicitly explores trends of anti-Semitism and establishes an ambiguous identity for Shylock by providing both a symbolic portrayal of the Jewish culture and a distinct dichotomy between Shylock and Antonio.

    Read More

  • Is Shylock a Villain or a Victim?

    860 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shylock lends Antonio a sum of money, that Antonio intends to pay back when his merchant ships arrive in Venice, one month before the debt would be forfeited. When Bassarnio arranges the sum of money, Shylock befriends them, only to stand aside and utter to him self, "I hate him for he is a Christian... If I catch him once upon the hip, I will feed my ancient grudge I bear him," Act 1, Scene 3. Shortly after saying, "But ships are but boards, sailors but men... the perils of waters, winds, and rocks...Three thousand ducats; I think I may take his bond." Shylock is setting his trap here. Shylocks terms of the debt are a pound of Antonios flesh from closets his heart if it be forfeited.

    Read More

  • Bassanio in Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

    2029 Words  | 5 Pages

    from the messenger at the end of Act 2 Scene 9 before he enters unlike

    Read More

  • William Shakespeare's The Merchant Of Venice: Portia

    1777 Words  | 4 Pages

    The suitor picking the casket containing the picture will be the suitor who will marry Portia. ‘I may neither choose who I would, nor refuse who I dislike, so is the will of living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father’ this shows that Portia would rather have a say as to who she gets to choose rather than being told who she has to marry. She overcomes that after two suitors who she wishes not to marry choose the wrong casket letting her know which casket contains her picture, so that when Bassanio becomes a suitor and she falls for him she is able to hint to him which casket to choose: Tell me where Fancy is bred. Or in the heart, or in the head? How begot, how nourishèd?’

    Read More

  • soliloquies in the merchant of venice

    726 Words  | 2 Pages

         It develops the character of Portia as being someone madly in love with another person. It is clear to me that she is in love with Bassiano. She talks about how she could teach Bassiano how to choose right, but she can’t because of her father’s will. To me, she is really sick. It advances the plot so that the love Portia has for Bassiano, and the love that Bassiano has for Portia, can be more looked at.

    Read More

  • True Love in The Merchant of Venice

    1123 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout the Merchant of Venice, while Portia is being courted. the reader can see that she does not like any of the suitors, except Bassanio. She finds a flaw in all the suitors and readers, as well, can see. the flaws in each as they present themselves to her. Her true love however, is for Bassanio

    Read More

  • Gender Roles In The Merchant Of Venice

    712 Words  | 2 Pages

    Everyone is deceived and believes Portia is truly a man therefore showing that she has the capabilities to exert the traits of a man. Portia is described as the “wise young judge” (IV, I, 228) and an “excellent young man” (IV, I, 252) by Shylock showing that he believes in the gender identity of Balthazar. Bassanio, Portia’s husband, is also fooled as he states that Antonio’s life is more valuable to him than Portia. Her credibility in turn gives her power over the men in the scene. She is able to use the balances of justice along with her knowledge in order to save Antonio. The turn in this scene is when she repeats, “A pound of flesh” (IV, I, 315) and states the specific words used in the document as no blood can be dropped from Antonio or else Shylock will be punished and strikes fear into Shylock. This shows that it is possible for a woman to obtain the masculine qualities of being powerful and intellectual. If Portia were to have not dressed as a man, but merely a woman, due to the social constructs of the time she would not have had any power in this situation. Portia tells Bassanio “I pray you, know me when we meet again” (IV, I, 432) which shows her feelings towards Bassanio not knowing her true identity, even through her disguise. Her actions were that of her individual, but due to her altering her appearance of gender it changed the way others viewed her

    Read More

  • Religion in The Merchant of Venice

    1944 Words  | 4 Pages

    Venice, where this drama takes place, is a largely religious Italian City. Although filled with spiritual people, the city is divided into two different religious groups. Venice was primarily and dominantly a Christian society with Jews as it’s unfairly treated minority. Stereotypes classified Jews as immoral, evil, and foolish people while the Christians were graceful, merciful, and loving. Representing the Christian belief is Antonio who is summoned to court by a Jew who goes by the name Shylock. The cross between Christianity and Judaism begins as Antonio and Shylock create a legally binding bond. The bond’s fine print expresses that if Antonio cannot fulfill his debt to Shylock, Shylock will receive a pound of Antonio’s flesh. As learned in the play, Antonio cannot repay his debt and Shylock publically exclaims his need to receive fulfillment of that bond. Hastily, Shylock is determined to obtain his pound of Christian flesh. Shakespeare provides his audience dist...

    Read More

  • Merchant Of Venice - Antonio And Shylock

    808 Words  | 2 Pages

    Antonio and Shylock are both successful entrepreneurs in Venice but they both have different attitudes and experiences. When Antonio is asking Shylock for the loan he says, “Within these two months – that’s a month before this bond expires – I do expect, return of thrice times the value of this bond.” (1.3.169-170). Antonio and Shylock both are well off and successful businessmen. Antonio, being a man who is treats everyone nicely, lends his good name to Bassanio to woo Portia. Shylock on the other hand, could never do that and is a very greedy man who asks for three times the value of the loan. Also, Antonio is a risk taker and thinks things will always go the right way for him and his success will continue, which is shown when he accepts the high interest rate and the bizarre payment if the money isn’t received. Shylock handles his business straightforward and charges interest because it is his job, although being a very high amount and if it isn’t carried out, Shylock gets his payment of one pound of flesh. Shylock is depicted as the greedy businessman while Antonio is the nice man who tries his luck.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Love In Merchant Of Venice

    1366 Words  | 3 Pages

    Shylock is a wealthy Jew who invests money into shipments and trades. When Shylock’s enemy, Antonio, requests a loan of 3000 ducats, “Shylock adopts this Christian model of "kind" lending in his bond with Antonio as a means for lawful revenge.” Shylock’s agreement is that if the ducats are not returned, Antonio must repay his loan in human flesh. This is a way for Shylock to either make money or kill a Christian, either will satisfy him. Lee describes Shylock’s feelings towards Christians, “Indeed, although Shylock will neither "eat," "drink," nor "pray" with the Christians, he is willing to "buy" and "sell" with them.” This is where Shakespeare first introduces the devil inside Shylock. Had Antonio been a Jew, there would not have been a payment of flesh. Shylock’s hatred propels the story from start to finish. His hatred causes him to lose his daughter, drives Portia to use her money and wit to save Antonio, and why he ends up losing

    Read More

  • Merchant of Venice Essay: Universal Elements

    868 Words  | 2 Pages

    The first theme is that religious intolerance and prejudice play destructive roles in the book. Even to this day, there is racism and prejudice in schools about race and religion. Antonio, as a true Christian, has often condemned moneylenders. He knows that since the early twelfth century, Christians are forbidden by the Church to lend money for profit. Shylock, as a Jew, does not consider his money-lending and overwhelming interest to be a sin in any manner. In fact, he considers his earnings through money lending as the gift of God. He appeals to and quotes the Scriptures in defense of his profession. Shylock and the other Jewish moneylenders are essential to the prosperity of the merchant community, but they are also outcasts as human beings and as Jews.  Shylock often shows his dislike to the Christians; “I hate him for he is a Christian”, (Act I, Sc. III, L. 38). The Christians ridicule and hate the Jewish moneylende...

    Read More

  • Tension Theory And Substation Theory

    1089 Words  | 3 Pages

    Metaphors are even now seen as an abstract literary ornament, in contrast to the West, where linguistic and cognitive are consolidating by the figurative language. Accordingly, few scholars have previously validated that English is to a great extent a metaphorical language (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980; Lakoff, 1993). In old records of history metaphors in poetry and English prose were to some extent noticed by their boundlessness in approximately every piece of English literary. Nevertheless, thereafter resembling studies of Arabic usage have not been achieved, it is hard to detect if both languages either more metaphorical than the other, as an alternative metaphorical usage possibly could vary. Since there is no consist match to the instrument that is ought to be used in standardizing metaphors through languages. According to Simawe, 2001, recent studies in the West have shown new understating about metaphors, whereas no consistent development in East. Metaphors are still seen as literary beautifications in the East, whereas the West discuss and focus on the linguistic and cognitive foundations of figurative language. Many scholars have confirmed to a great extent that English is a metaphorical language (Lakoff and Johnson, 1980; Lakoff,

    Read More

More about Allusion In Bassanio's The Merchant Of Venice

Open Document