The Merchant Of Venice

A detailed Summary of The Merchant Of Venice

Antonio is a wealthy merchant in the city of Venice. Although central to the play, Antonio is portrayed by Shakespeare as an 'outcast'. It seems that Antonio is chronically depressed and is not involved in the social atmosphere that is thriving in Venice. -"In sooth, I know not why I am so sad:It wearies me; you say it wearies you;But how I caught it. Found it, or came by it,What stuff 'tis made of, whereof it is born,I am to learn:"1 Along with Shylock, both men seem bitter and have difficulty in expressing their emotions. On many occasions friends, such as Salerio and Bassanio have questioned his sadness, trying to find an explanation for their great unhappiness with themselves and with the world. -Salerio: "But tell not me: I know AntonioIs sad to think upon his merchandise.2Antonio: "Believe me, no: I thank my fortune for it,My ventures are not in one bottom trusted,Nor to one place; nor is my whole estateUpon the fortune of this present year:Therefore, my m!

erchandise makes me not sad."3Salanio: "Why, then are you in love."4Antonio: "Fie, fie!"5 The mystery of Antonio's sadness remains, as he dismisses the prospect that his sadness is related to his ships or a lost love

ecomes a Christian. These events gave Antonio a new view of life. The final revelation in Antonio's character is seen. From the 'suicidal' man filled with sadness and sorrow Antonio is reformed into the successful merchant he once was when his ships returned from sea laden with goods. However, the only sadness for Antonio is that he has been deprived of the chance to sacrifice himself as a gesture of his true nobility.

for barren metal of his friend?But lend it rather to thine enemy;Who if he break, thou may'st with better faceExact the penalty."6 Many people would ask the question, why would someone in Shylock's position want to give anything to a person who has treated them as badly as Antonio? However, under the interest free bond that Shylock has created with Antonio lies a need for revenge so great that Shylock will do anything to take the life of Antonio. At the beginning of Act 3 the bad news of Antonio's ships, lost at sea is spreading around Venice. Jessica confirms that Shylock will be maintaining the bond that was created now that Antonio has no way of paying back the bond. -"When I was with him, I have heard him swearTo tubal and to Chus, his countrymen,That he would rather have Antonio's fleshThan twenty times the value of the sumThat he did owe him; and I know, my lord,If law, authority, and power deny not,It will go hard with poor

Some common words found in the essay are:
Shylock Antonio, Salerio Bassanio, Antonio Shylock, Venice Jessica, Antonio Antonio, Jessica Lorenzo, Doctor Laws, Venetian Shylock, Lorenzo Shylock's, Portia Nerissa, antonio shylock, play antonio, shylock antonio, ships lost, created antonio,

Approximate Word count = 928
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English