The Merchant of Venice 3
I believe that S. T. Coleridge's phrase "representation of men in all ages and all times" applies to this play because I feel that the characters in this play, even the female ones, portray universal elements of the nature of man. One of these elements is honor, which Antonio displays bravely. A second element is the cockiness so often associated with men, this element got Antonio in a heap of trouble. Another element is a man's loyalty to his true friends is great; Bassanio and Gratiano proved this when he refused to let Antonio down. Lastly, the stereotype that men are less intelligent or witty than women is played out when Portia and Nerissa outwit their suitors and get them to give up their rings. In Shakespeare's time a man's honor was usually the only collateral he possessed in an issue. Hence, a man would want to maintain as much honor as he could; Antonio made good on his word at all costs. When it seemed that he had lost the wager with Shylock, Antonio was prepared to part with a pound of his flesh to make good on his word. However, when the Duke pointed out that Shylock could take no blood or face worse consequences, Antonio got of the hook. The fact remains, though, that Antonio would
Shakespeare shows very well the fact that a man's friendship with another man almost always serves as the top priority. This is shown best in this work by Bassanio, a friend of Antonio's. Bassanio had just won the hand of Portia in marriage through a game, and it pleased her to be his wife, then Bassanio learned that Antonio needed him in his trial. Now to understand the predicament that Bassanio faced one must understand that Portia was royalty, and the most coveted and beautiful woman in the land. Even though he was so very tempted by Portia to remain with her, Bassanio's friendship with Antonio almost immediately drew him to the trial. This element is also supported when Portia and Nerissa find out that Bassanio and Gratiano gave up the rings that they promised with their soul to keep. The women are very upset, so the men, fearing for their relationships, plead with the women, trying to explain the circumstances. Finally, Bassanio and Gratiano, pledge their faith to the women again. Antonio, who was not involved in the dispute, offers his soul to assure the women that the men will keep their word. have given his own flesh to assure that his honor would be protected. Upon examination of these elements one can easily draw the conclusion
Some common words found in the essay are:
Bassanio Gratiano, Merchant Venice, Portia Nerissa, Antonio's Bassanio, Bassanio Antonio, Shylock Antonio, Duke Shylock, Gratiano Portiashe, Bellario Portia, Portia Bassanio's, bassanio gratiano, portia nerissa, believe coleridge's phrase, ages times, shylock antonio, honor antonio, antonio trial, pound flesh, representation ages, representation ages times, coleridge's phrase, merchant venice,
Approximate Word count = 849
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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