The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

Once you’ve read The Merchant of Venice, you’ll be able to judge this issue for yourself. Other commentators suggest that Shakespeare intentionally provided for both interpretations of the drama: although the playwright does not entirely support Shylock, they contend, neither does he endorse the actions of Antonio and the other Venetians in their punishment of the Jew. Does Shakespeare actually censure Antonio and the Venetians who oppose Shylock? After all, the Christians’ discrimination against Shylock contradicts the bible’s instructions of love, charity and mercy. Despite the sometimes stereotypical portrayal of Shylock as a money-loving Jew, some audiences also notice several ambiguities in the play’s apparent endorsement of Christian values.

There is considerable debate concerning the dramatist’s intent in The Merchant of Venice because, although it conforms to the structure of a comedy, the play contains many tragic elements. Shylock agrees to lend Antonio 3,000 ducats for three months: if the loan is not repaid in time, he will demand a pound of the merchant’s flesh. Bassanio turns to Shylock, who hates Antonio because he is a Christian and because he lends money without interest. Because most of his money is invested in three merchant vessels that have not returned from abroad, Antonio is unable to comply with his friend’s request. Bassanio is already in debt to the merchant, but he asks for an additional sum so that he can woo the wealthy and beautiful Portia in Belmont. In Venice, Antonio and Bassanio are friends. Written sometime between 15, the play is primarily based on a story in Il Pecorone, a collection of tales and anecdotes by the fourteenth-century Italian writer Giovanni Fiorentino. The Merchant of Venice ranks with Hamlet as one of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed dramas. The National Theatre production of The Merchant Of Venice starring Laurence Olivier (1973) Introduction

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare