imagination of Elizabethan society, was a place of fabulous wealth,

royal merchants, richly attired gentlemen, and refined culture.

Antonio is very much a part of this society. But this is not the only

part of the Venetian picture that is portrayed in the play; another

less romantic view is also given. It is the cruel commercial and

legal side of Venice, where ships are sunk at sea, fortunes are won

and lost, moneylenders haggle for increased interest on the loans

needed by businessmen, and the law is interpreted literally without

In contrast to this business-like picture of Venice, Belmont is the

ideal romantic world, filled with music, happiness, harmony, and

love. It is here that Portia lives, and where Bassanio and Gratanio

Antonio - a merchant of Venice. He is a model Christian

gentleman. He is esteemed and loved by his many friends, though

his outward appearance is sad. His dignity and generosity have

earned him many admirers. A philosophical man, he is tir

marry. Portia discovers with despair that a new suitor, the Prince of

ready cash, for all his fortune is invested in his ships at sea. He

Shylock, the unrelenting Jew. The three subplots revolve around

Bassanio, a young Venetian from a good family, has squandered

and asks Shylock to be merciful. At his refusal, she agrees that he

Venice with money to free his friend. She pretends to retire to a

lawyer, and goes to Venice herself. At court in Venice, Shylock

goodness and his good nature win him the love of Portia and of

character. She combines thoughtfulness and a reflective nature

Belmont to the waiting Portia. She pretends to be very angry when

his knife. Portia now reminds him that there is no clause in the

the gold, while the Prince of Arragon is equally unlucky with the

she discovers that Bassanio has given away her ring. She threatens

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1546
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)