Merchant of VenicePortia Bassanios Indifference to Wealth

A detailed Summary of Merchant of VenicePortia Bassanios Indifference to Wealth

“How little is the cost I have bestowed in purchasing the semblance of my soul,”(3.5.19-20) is where the heart of this play is in my eyes. Portia doing what she can for her one true love, Bassanio. Money is of no importance to her especially when it comes to the happiness or unhappiness of Bassanio.

There are many places in the Merchant of Venice that show Portia and Bassanio’s indifference, and what seems to be apathy toward wealth. Many are hidden and many are as clear as day to the reader. I found that reading into The Merchant of Venice was a fun and interesting experience. The way Shakespeare wrote his plays makes people really think about what they are reading; it reminded me of a maze.

Portia, an unspoiled Princess to riches, a Princess that doesn’t need to think or worry about money. It is something she has an unimaginable amount of, yet it doesn’t change who she is or what her values are. Her father seemed to instill in her that money isn’t everything to everybody; how you care about people and values are what matter the most in life. When we first see Bassanio, he is telling Antonio of a secret trip he plans to take to win the heart of Portia; yet he has no means to get there

THe Merchant of Venice Riverside Shakespeare Book

Bassanio although deeply in debt to moneylenders, can see past the gold and silver of the first two caskets, and hazards his chance with the lead casket. The scroll inside this casket proves this point;” You that chose not by the view, Chance as fair, and choose as true: Since this fortune falls to you, Be content, and seek no new. If you be well pleas’d with this, And hold your fortune for your bliss, Turn you where your lady is, and claim her with a loving kiss."(3.2.130-138)

Earlier in the play Bassanio borrows 3,000 ducats from Shylock on Antonio’s word that it will be paid back in full. Shylock is a stereotypical Jew who is a moneylender that insists on charging interest on monies loaned out. He needed this money to go to Portia in Belmont. If Antonio does not pay back the ducats to Shylock in due time; Shylock will be able to cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh anywhere on his body. In 3.2 of the play, Bassanio receives a letter written by Antonio regarding the money that is owed to Shylock. Portia being concerned about Bassanio asks what the letter is about. Bassanio explains, “When I told you my state was nothing, I should then have told you that I was worse than nothing; for indeed I have engag’d my friend to his mere enemy, to feed my means.”(3.2.258-263)

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Approximate Word count = 1301
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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