William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

1156 Words3 Pages

William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

My lord, it would seem that the bond was made between Antonio the

merchant and Shylock the Jew, for 3,000 ducats to be repaid within

three months.

This bond seems out of character of a Christian, as they believe it is

immoral to lend money and charge a usance rate. It is also strange

that this Jew accepted the proposal, as it is plain to see that they

are enemies.

I have looked at all the evidence and have learned why the bond became

apparent.

Antonio the Merchants friend, Bassanio, was in need of some ducats in

order to travel to Belmont, in hope of marrying Portia. Bassanio, also

a Christian, requested to borrow the money from Antonio, however, as

the court has heard, Antonio’s money was all at sea. So, the men

decided their only hope of acquiring the money, was to get a loan from

Shylock.

However, Bassanio’s name had no assurity, whereas Antonio had his own

fleet. In order to be granted the loan they decided that with

Antonio’s name the bond would sooner be agreed.

Bassanio approached Shylock and told him of the proposal. Shylock

showed that he understood what was being asked of him as he said,

‘Three thousand ducats for three months, and Antonio is bound.’

Shylock agreed in saying that ‘Antonio is a good man,’ but then

rephrased his meaning to say ‘that his is sufficient.’ He pondered on

taking the bond and asked to see Antonio before he made his decision.

As Antonio approached the men, Shylock was heard to have said, ‘I hate

him for he is a Christian,’ and that he has ‘low simplicity.’ He also

spoke of how he holds ‘an ancient grudge,’ against Antonio and went on

to say Shylock will be ‘cursed by my tribe if I forgive him.’

Shylock then spoke to Antonio and Bassanio directly, and stated that

he hadn’t got the money yet, but he could get it from a fellow Hebrew.

Antonio explained how he was willing to break his custom of not

Open Document