The Merchant Of Venice Essays

William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
"The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare features, Shylock a very controversial character
due to his religion, profession and personal traits. Professionally Shylock lends money to people in
debt, in order to gain interest and profit. Although, this is very much central to our modern way of
life, in the Elizabethan period, money lending was not accepted as an acceptable profession.
Throughout "The Merchant of Venice" Shylock is portrayed as menacing, inhumane and slightly
eccentric, yet at times misunderstood and induces sympathy from the reader. His personal traits and
beliefs evoke complex emotions. We cannot decide whether Shylock is an...show more content...
Sympathy is created, as it is apparent that Shylock cannot trust, nor befriend anyone in the play, not
even his own daughter. This is clear evidence of one way in which Shylock is more sinned than
sinning.
Shylock places profit above love. When Jessica, his daughter, steals from him and leaves him, it is
clear that Shylock is very distraught. However, it is difficult to ignore what appears to be Shylock's
priority –the loss of money. As, money lending is Shylock's profession; it is obvious money is very
important to him. When discussing the loss of his daughter and ducats, Shylock describes how he
would rather his money returned to him than his daughter and would infact like to have revenge
against her.
"Shylock: I would my daughter were dead at my feat, and the jewels in her ear."
Immediately it is clear how heartless, inhumane, unforgiving and sinister Shylock is. To place profit
above the life of his daughter demonstrates how wrong Shylock's priorities are and is clear evidence
of how Shylock is sinning.
Shylock is more sinned against than sinning by the fact that every character in the play is against
him. Shylock has no family or friends to rely upon or trust. He is constantly mocked and insulted by
many characters throughout "The Merchant of Venice". The first
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The Merchant of Venice Essay
In the comedy, The Merchant of Venice, the roles and responsibilities of women is a significant
social issue proposed by Shakespeare. This theme is communicated by the only three female
characters in the play: Nerissa, Portia and Jessica. For example, in Act 4 during the trial between
Antonio and Shylock, Portia and Nerissa disguise themselves as Balthasar and Bellario to free their
friend. However, Jessica also plays a minor role in portraying the independence of Jewish women in
a Christian and Elizabethan society, by successfully betraying her father, Shylock. These characters
portray Shakespeare's overall opinion on women, as well as a modern audience's view on
Elizabethan society in many significant ways by accentuating themes, ideas...show more content...
The audience, as well as Bassanio, view Portia as a beautiful, immaculate, aristocratic and "fair"
lady. However after Act 5, Portia is nothing, but prejudicial and bigoted, as she is the cause of
Shylock's demise and claims that she used "my [her] body" to punish Bassanio for abusing her
gift of love: the ring. This is ironic, because Portia infringes her relationship with Bassanio by
inferring she has committed an affair, even though she herself accuses him of abusing her love
and power by losing the ring. This implies that relationships in Elizabethan society were corrupt
and fake, which allowed many women in particular to commit religious crimes against their
husbands. Furthermore, Shakespeare additionally uses the theme of deception to convey that
women are superior to men. This seen when Portia tells Nerissa that "I [she] have work in hand
/ That you yet know of. We'll see our husbands/Before they think of us" (3.4), as she wants to help
Bassanio and Gratiano save Antonio's life by disguising. In general, many Elizabethan playwrights
such as Twelfth Night and The Merry Wives of Windsor, allow the audience to understand the fact
that the position of women was such, so that they could not become "active" (3.4) in society. By
Portia and Nerissa dressing up as Balthasar and Bellario, this would give them temporary masculinity
and so, the ability to do things that normal social codes would not,

Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is so alike to our financially afflicted world. The rules of
law and commerce are subject to deceptive manipulation, fear of "the other" overwhelms respect for
a common humanity, duplicity is the norm, sexuality is a vehicle for ambition, and money drives
and wraps almost every action. It is a classic tale that includes important details of the financial crisis
in the United States during 2007–2009. Shakespeare's Venice, like the New York of his time– and
the financial capitals of ours – is a city based on borrowing, on market speculation and greed
masquerading as wealth and sophistication. Behind the curtains of the practice of lending and
borrowing money in Shakespeare's play lay the transition to capitalism: the rise of banking system;
the scarcity for credit in developing industrial enterprises; and the growing dispute of default facing
both aristocratic landlords and, above all, small, independent early entrepreneurs on trading ventures.
Even though almost 600 years apart from each other, both Shakespeare's tale and the financial crisis
in the United States during 2007–2009 have a similar financial dilemma, each has its unique
Shylock, Bassanio and Antonio– people who were responsible for causing the meltdown of their
days. We all know from our course that leverage and liquidity risks of financial institutions are
vulnerable to the crisis. The financial crisis that emerged in 2007 had many and varied causes, but
one of its most

Theme Of Revenge In Merchant Of Venice
William Shakespeare has encapsulated the essence of revenge as a central theme in his comedic
play, The Merchant of Venice. Set in 16th century Venice, Shakespeare creates pivotal characters in a
mercantile environment that enables revenge to flourish and be explored in the play. To highlight
the central theme of revenge, which is the act of seeking retribution for a harm done, Shakespeare
has juxtaposed it to other central themes. From the outset, the cause and need for justification of
revenge is analysed from the perspective of anti–Semitic conduct. The act of revenge is further
examined with reference to financial wealth and its role in driving revenge. As the storyline unfolds,
it culminates with an insight into the outcome of revenge in the context of another central theme,
mercy. It is through these comparisons that the central theme of revenge can be dissected and
therefore understood.
In exploring the central theme of revenge, Shakespeare looks at the cause of revenge and the need
for the perpetrator to justify it, through the highly emotive subject of anti–Semitism. Shylock, a
Jewish moneylender, is deeply angered by the Christian characters of the play, in particular
Antonio, the merchant referred to in the play's title. Having been called a 'dog', and spat upon,
he has endured cruelty and suffering simply due to his Jewish faith, a faith which is the core of
his being and defines him as a man. The depth of his pain and his hurt can be felt in his soliloquy
(Act 3 Scene 1). Here, his humanity is felt when he asks, "If you prick us, do we not bleed? ... If
you poison us, do we not die?" It is this depth of feeling that enables the audience to understand
the origins and need for revenge. Shylock also needs to justify his right to revenge as much to
himself as to others, and puts forward a case for why revenge is necessary and justified. He states
that, "If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian wrong a Jew, what
should his sufferance be by Christian example? Why, revenge." By juxtaposing the theme of
anti–Semitism, Shakespeare gives Shylock's reason for revenge depth and purpose and thus
establishes revenge as a central theme of the play.
Having established that

Comment On The Merchant Of Venice
Comment on The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice is a 16th–century play by William Shakespeare in which a merchant in
Venice must default on a large loan provided by an abused Jewish moneylender. It is believed to
have been written between 1596 and 1599. Though classified as a comedy in the First Folio and
sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare's other romantic comedies, the play is perhaps most
remembered for its dramatic scenes, and it is best known for Shylock and the famous "Hath not a
Jew eyes?" speech. Also notable is Portia's speech about "the quality of mercy".
The author, William Shakespeare, was born on 26 April 1564 and passed away on 23 April 1616. He
was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest...show more content...
Based on the enlightenment of humanistic spirits and feelings, The Merchant of Venice explains
what the sincere friendship is. Antonio does not hesitate to help his friend to make a proposal to the
beautiful lady–Portia. Though he has no cash in hand, he is willing to make a guarantee for his best
friend, even knowing the cruel requirement of borrowing money from the Jew–Shylock. When it is
time to pay back the money, Antonio can't repay on schedule. Then, Shylock urges Antonio to pay
his money; otherwise, he will ask the court to judge the case. Whereas, when it is time to cut one
pound of flesh in Antonio's chest, he doesn't show regret or complaint to his friend but his
affectionate farewell and best wishes. As the saying goes, a friend is like a foreign body. Friendship
is more precious than jewelry, which brings you warm, relief and happiness. The friendship between
Antonio and Bassanio reflects the glory of

The Merchant of Venice is a play written by William Shakespeare in 1596 and finished writing it
in 1598. The play starts off with Bassanio wanting to marry Portia. He confronts Antonio to ask
him for a loan so he can have enough money to marry his soon to be wife. Antonio finds he doesn't
have enough money to give Bassanio the loan so he agrees to be the person to guarantee the loan.
The two of them find Shylock to give him the loan. Portia then welcomes the prince of Morocco,
who has come in an attempt to choose the right casket to marry her, he chooses the wrong casket
and loses her hand in marriage (Spark Notes: Plot Overview). 3 of the most important things in the
play are how people that look nice on the outside may be rotten and mean...show more content...
This proves how people can look nice and friendly on the outside and rotten at heart, Portia is a
perfect example of this. During the dispute between Shylock and the Christian believers mercy
becomes a major part in the arguments. Portia thinks Shylock should give mercy to Antonio and
make less of a punishment then killing him. Portia manages to bend the rules and turn the law
against Shylock and his non–merciful ways (Spark Notes: Themes, Motifs & Symbols, par. 4). I
think that Portia should have given Shylock mercy as she was hard on him since he threatened to
kill Antonio. She always says how mercy is the right thing to do and how it should be considered to
the people that do bad things:
"The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes
The thronГЁd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings,
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronГЁd in the hearts of kings.
It is an attribute to God himself.
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this–
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see

Essay about The Merchant of Venice
William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is one of his most controversial plays for a variety
of reasons. Written in sixteenth–century England, where anti–Semitism was common and the
presence of Jews was not, the play poses many questions concerning racial, religious and human
difference. The play is especially tricky to examine in today's society, as its anti–Semitic themes and
language can be uncomfortable to face in a world post–Holocaust. Additionally, the depiction of the
relationship between Jews and Christians, which has always been an ambivalent one, adds a very
interesting albeit difficult dimension to this play. Ultimately, through dramatic plot and distinctive
characters, The Merchant of Veniceexplores what it means to be...show more content...
One side of Shylock is preoccupied by money and crazed by revenge, while the other represents an
old man who eventually loses everything near and dear to him, an outsider who is spit on by his
Christian enemies and must put up with being called "misbeliever, cut–throat, [and] dog" (1.3.107).
Unlike other antagonists such as Don John in Much Ado About Nothing or Aaron in Titus
Andronicus, Shylock does not explicitly name himself as a villain nor does he relish in his evil
behaviour. He does indeed display villainous characteristics; very early on he admits in an aside
that he hates Antonio "for he is a Christian" (1.3.37), and his obsession with revenge quickly
grows out of control. But what is complicated about Shylock's "evil" is that it all seems to stem
from the malevolence of the Christians. One cannot really blame him about being bitter for the
times Antonio kicked him and spit "upon [his] beard" (1.3.113), or that his money lending
business is damaged by Antonio's tendency to lend out "money gratis" (1.3.39). Even though the
Christians in the play consider usury an evil practice, it is the only way that Shylock knows how
to make a living, and it is understandable that he would be protective of his business. He shows his
more tender side in scenes with daughter, especially in 2.4 as he leaves home and tells her to shut
the door after her, because something firmly secured will remain safe; "Fast bind, fast find вЋЇ / A
proverb never stale in thrifty mind"

The Merchant of Venice
Comparison and Contrast of Shylock and Claudius
Introduction
This essay looks into the lives of Shylock and Antonio. These are two of Shakespearean
antagonists of all time. They are alike in more ways than one. Shylock in Merchant of Venice is a
Jewish moneylender based in Venice. He has been tormented and repressed mainly by the Christian
population. One finds it easy to sympathize with him mainly because he has his own reasons to be
loathing, greedy, and miserly. This ends up making the entire 'Merchant of Venice' bittersweet. This
was when Shylock was forced to give up all that he owned and further converted it to Christianity.
This meant that that Jewish community would no longer accept him. It also meant that he would be
shunned by...show more content...
The object of affection as seen is Bassanio who goes ahead to take full advantage of this merchant's
feelings for him (Wright 45).
The main principles of Antonio do not support borrowing or lending money for profit. He purely
reflects a medieval attitude for money that needs to be lent for Christian charity. When he lends to
Bassanio, this made him to cast aside his principles and take a loan from Shylock. He then pledges
his flesh as bond. When Antonio's ships are lost at sea, this meant that he could not repay the loan
and therefore he accepts to pay Shylock with a pound of his flesh (Shakespeare 61).
Shylock on the other point is a focal point of the entire play. There is a traditional stereotype of
Jews found in the Elizabethan times. He is comically put out as a greedy minister who wears a
traditional Jewish gabardine. As a middle–aged man, Shylock has a keenness of observation, a
memory of several details as well as a strong energy amount. Unlike Antonio, he is portrayed as
someone with a strong amount of energy who is well versed with the Bible. He often draws
analogies from several Biblical stories and sources. These are relevant to situations whereby he finds
himself in.
When Shylock speaks, he speaks in a manner that reveals authoritativeness. He makes frequent
references to ancient and great names from the scriptures. He then uses these when justifying his
own bad practices. His speech further reveals a

The Merchant Of Venice Essay
What's in a Word Paper The Merchant of Venus, is a play written by William Shakespeare and is a
majority of the time remembered for its scene with Shylock and Antonio. As intricate as the play
wove itself, the word that seemed to occur a majority of the time "bonds", had multiple meanings
occurring throughout the play. Oxford English Dictionary (OED) tells us that Bonds can mean the
bondage of a marriage, the ways of which a thing is bound or tied down, agreement or engagement
binding to him of which who makes it, and a deed, by which binds himself, his heirs, executors, or
assigns to pay a certain sum of money. In this play, we see a strong connection between bonds and
goods reoccurring from start to finish. The term "bond", is...show more content...
The man is, notwithstanding, sufficient. Three thousand ducats; I think I may take his bond.
Interestedly, instead of Shakespeare using the word bond as a way to tie Portia and Bassanio and
their undying love and promises. We find Bassanio discovering out about Antonio's situation in a
letter telling Bassanio about his lost ships and Shylocks intentions of taking his pound of flesh.
The news incites a since of guilt from Bassanio which prods Portia to offer and pay twenty times
the original sum. After reading the letter aloud to Portia she suggests Bassanio go to his friends aid
and go back to Venice by his side. (3.2.314)
Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my
bond to the Jew is forfeit; and since in paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts are cleared
between you and I, if I might but see you at my death. Notwithstanding, use your pleasure: if your
love do not persuade you to come, let not my letter. Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond
(3.2.298) This section is an instance were the word bond as the agreement between Shylock is
confronted by another strong character in this play. Portia playing a strong masculine role for her
house hold and new husband Bassanio. She shows her power and authority by wanting to deface the
bond and pay more than the original sum, to free Antonio and help out Bassanio. This shows that
even though the agreement between Antonio and

Merchant Of Venice Essay Outline
The Merchant of Venice Essay Outline
Introduction:
Hook: The theme is the main subject or message of a story. It is used to give depth and enhance the
plot. The themes of The Merchant of Venice are used throughout the story of the play to make the
plot move along and to encourage the characters into action.
Bridge: When you read The Merchant of Veniceby William Shakespeare there are many themes
throughout the play and many lessons to be learned.
Main Ideas: The most important themes are hatred, mercy and friendship. Hatred is important
because it creates rivalry amongst the characters . Friendship motivates the heros and allows for
there to be a logical conclusion as both Shakespeare and his characters work out their prejudices.
...show more content...
If he have the condition of a saint
and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me." (Act 1 scene 2)
Analysis:In this quote, she is saying that even if he were a saint she would never marry him because
he has dark skin.
Paragraph Conclusion: Shakespeare portrays hatred and and prejudice throughout the play to
establish that everyone is flawed, and to show us that these flaws can be overcome by morality and
acceptance.
Body paragraph two:
Topic Sentence: Mercy plays a major role in this play it shows us the importance of human life and
friendship.
Subpoint #1:The whole play leads up to the courtroom scene when Portia was trying to convince
Shylock to be merciful towards Antonio.
Example: "The quality of mercy is not strained:It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.Upon the
place beneath. It is twice blessed:It blessed him that gives, and him that takes."(Act 4 scene 1) portia
Analysis: in this quote Portia is talking to Shylock, she 's asking him to spare Antonio 's life and
she is saying that mercy is more important than revenge and that mercy is a quality of God

Subpoint #2: the duke showed mercy when he prevented Shylock 's execution and let him keep half
of his estate.
Example:"I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it"(Act 4 scene 1)Duke
Analysis: The Duke allowed Shylock to live because he felt sorry for him.
Paragraph

Relationships in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
'The Merchant of Venice' is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays and Act 1 Scene 3 is a key
scene. There are three characters involved in the scene and these are: Antonio, Bassanio and
Shylock. Shakespeare portrays their characters effectively as well as the contrasting relationships
between them. He uses various themes, his language and style and the plot of the bond to achieve
this.
Before I look at scene 3 it is important to look at the first scene of the play. At the beginning of Act
1 Scene 1 Antonio, the merchant of Venice, is portrayed as a troubled man, "In sooth, I know not why
I am so sad," (line 1) and a character in...show more content...
Not only has Bassanio squandered his own fortune, he has borrowed money from Antonio which
he is unable to repay, "I owe you much, and, like a wilful youth, / That which I owe is lost". This
shows that he is irresponsible with money and maybe he does not care about Antonio as much as
he care about him, because if he did he would have made sure that he paid him back. Bassanio
argues that if Antonio were prepared to loan him yet more money, he could use it to make his
fortune and repay both debts to Antonio. Shakespeare portrays him as being skilled in getting what
he wants. Bassanio illustrates this, lines 139–51, with the idea of shooting an arrow in the same
direction as one that had been lost, "and by adventuring both, I oft found both" (lines 143–4).
Antonio agrees to borrow money in his name in order to help his friend Bassanio clear his debts,
"Try what my credit can in Venice do". This displays Antonio's generous character and confirms
their close friendship, "My purse, my person, my extremest means / Lie all unlocked to your
occasions.". However, Antonio's asserts are not secure so he is also taking a risk for his friend.
Now I will move on to Act 1 Scene 3. Bassanio and Shylock discuss the terms of the loan – 3,000
ducats for three months. I think Antonio sends Bassanio to do this before he

Jiwon Shin
Professor Daniel Richter
CLAS 320
8 December 2015
The Merchant of Venice: Comedy or Tragedy?
Intro:
William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is a perplexing story of dark humor, race, religion,
identity, love, and justice. Generally, most people understandThe Merchant of Veniceas a comedy
about a bitter and outcasted Jewish moneylender named Shylock who seeks revenge against a
Christian merchant who has failed to pay his loan back. However, there are many different
perspectives on whether The Merchant of Venice is a comedy or a tragedy depending on one's
views on the difference between race and religion. If one views the story as a comedy, it is a dark
comedy full of many problems, especially the controversial subject matter of anti–Semitic attitudes
of its Christian characters. If one views it as a tragedy, it is a tragedy that concludes with majority
of its characters in a "happy ending"–that is if one agrees that Jessica's decision of love over
betraying her father and giving up her Jewish identity is indeed a happy ending.
Body:
In the beginning of this play, we are introduced to a melancholic Antonio, who claims he does not
know why he is sad, but his friends Solanio and Salerio suggest that he is worried about whether or
whether not his ships will make it back, which can make or break his wealth. At this point in the
play, Bassanio, Antonio's friend reveals that he is not only broke, but in serious debt. Bassanio says
he owes Antonio "the

Merchant Of Venice Theme Analysis
Question:
The Merchant of Venice was a play about a Jewish moneylender who plots to cut off a pound of
flesh from a Merchant whom he has a history with. Revenge was the central theme of Shakespeare's
play "The Merchant of Venice". However, there are other themes throughout the text, namely
friendship and prejudice, that help to emphasise revenge as the central theme of the play.
Revenge is an integral part of the play and characters in the play. Revenge is what drives Shylock,
seeking to obtain revenge on Antonio. In a way, Jessica seeks revenge for the "hell" that her father
made at home. In Venice, during the time of Shakespeare, Jews were not seen as humans. They
were alienated for their beliefs and due to the belief that Jews were responsible for the death of
Christ. As a result of this alienation, Jews were forced to wear red hats whenever going out, which
made them ripe for the picking for abuse and discrimination. Such discrimination has been laid down
on Shylock, with Antonio spitting on him and calling him a "cut–throat dog". As seen in Scene Act
1, Scene 3, Antonio, even after receiving a loan, "I am as like to call thee so again, To spit on thee
again, to spurn thee too." This shows how unthankful Antonio is towards Shylock, simply because
he is a Jew. It is no wonder why Shylock seeks revenge on Antonio. When asked by Salanio what
good a pound of flesh will do, Shylock simply states "To bait fish withal: if it will feed nothing else,
it

Essay on merchant of venice
The play, ВЎВ°The Merchant of VeniceВЎВ± by William Shakespeare has two main settings. One
setting is Venice, a city where many businessmen live, a place, full of unhappy and unkind people.
It a world of commercial and law. Shakespeare has portrayed Venice as the В
ЎВ°realВЎВ± world.
The other setting is Belmont, a city which houses a rich, happy society of beautiful people. Belmont
is a fairy–tale world of music and love. In this play, it is evident that, good things happen in Belmont
and not so pleasant events happen in Venice.
The play begins with Antonio, a rich merchant of Venice is depressed, which shows that money and
wealth did not bring happiness to this man. Shylock, a wealthy businessman who lives in Venice is
...show more content...
Also the people in Venice mock and laugh at Shylock when his daughter ran away with his money
to marry a Christian. Salarino and Salanio make fun of him.They had no sympathy towards the
man who has just lost his only family and his valuable money. Maybe he is greedy, but it was still
his money and one would expect people to feel sorry for him but they were even crueler to him by
laughing at his losses.
Even though one should feel sorry for Shylock, he himself is a very cruel man. He hates Antonio
and all Christians and when he got the opportunity to take revenge he was more than prepared to do
so. He and Antonio had a contract which stated that, if Antonio was not able to pay off the debt of
three thousand ducats he borrowed from Shylock within three months, he would have to pay the
debt by letting Shylock cut a pound of flesh from his body close to the heart. When AntonioВЎВЇs
ships were lost and he was not able to pay off the debt, Shylock was delighted. Shylock likes saying
ВЎВ°I thank God, I thank God. I thank thee good Tubal: good news, good news! ha, ha!ВЎВ±
ВЎВ°IВЎВЇm am very glad of it: IВЎВЇll plague him; IВЎВЇll torture him: IВЎВЇm glad of
itВЎВ± This shows that he was a horrible man. Later when he was offered the money, he refuses
saying that he would rather

Merchant of Venice Essay
English essay
In Shakespeare's play the merchant of Venice the audience learns about love in many forms. Through
the characters, of Portia and Bassanio, Shylock and his love for money over his daughter and
Antonio and Bassanio. The audience learns through Portia that true love always triumphs. From
shylock we learn that money isn't everything it seems to be and that you should treasure your family
more than money. Through thefriendship of Antonio and Bassanio we learn about the love of one
friend for another and how they would sacrifice anything for one another. Shakespeare uses many
techniques including: tests, plot incident, passionate dialogue, characterisation and emotive
language to express his idea of love and friendship to the...show more content...
He was more worried about his ducats and he doesn't care that Jessica ran away but the fact that
she ran away with a Christian. He asks for justice and the law to help get his money back, because
he is greedy. Emotive language is used because it emphasises that Shylock was angrier about losing
his money then losing his daughter.
As we have seen Shakespeare gives the audience a number of valuable lessons about love. Plot
incident and passionate dialogue are used when Antonio gives Bassanio money to go visit Portia.
This shows that true friendship can be as strong as true love and they would do anything for each
other and not care about the consequences. Tests are used to show how Portia's father cared about
her, even after he was dead and knew that her true love would choose the right casket and not be
deceived by money and wealth. This fatherly love shows that Portia's father really did love her and
cared so much that even after he had died he wanted her to be happy, with a man that didn't want
her money but wanted her love. Characterisation and emotive language is used to show how shylock
was more interested in money than anything else. Shylock was greedy and this is shown in more
than one occasion. the first is when he gives Antonio the loan to give Bassanio he wants ten percent
interest as well as the money back in three months time. The second is when

Love and Hate
The Merchant of Venice a play written by the famous poet and play writer, William Shakespeare, in
the year 1596 – 1598. It is based on both love and hate. Shakespeare demonstrates the themes of love
and hate clearly through various character. The friendship love is shown through Antonio towards
Bassanio, romantic love is shown through Portia and Bassanio and self love is shown through
shylock. However Shakespeare also illustrates hates during the play through the characters shylock
and Antonio and shylock and his daughter Jessica.
The Merchant of Venice is a play about love, the play mainly revolve around the romantic love of
these main characters Portia and Bassanio. As written in the play, Portia was a rich woman...show
more content...
Not only she leaves her dad without informing him about it, she also takes most of his money with
her, which she truly knows his great love towards being rich. "Two thousand ducats in that and
other precious, precious jewels. I would my daughter were dead at my foot and the jewels in her
ear! Would she were hearsed at my foot and the ducats in her coffin!" (3.1,74–86) in these verses all
Shylock talks about is that he would prefer that his daughter were to be dead in front of him with
the precious jewels and ducats lay with her in coffin than to find out that she has gone with the
ducats after a Christian. This shows the great hate that is going on in the play The Merchant of
Venice.
In conclusions, it is understandable that the Shakespearean play The Merchant of Venice is a play
about love and hate. He has accomplishment to apply the love and hate theme, through the various
actions and behaviours of the characters that make up the play. As a result the incidents and the
characters make the theme of love and hate the backbone of the main plot which they collectively
hold the story together. The love is shown through Portia and Bassanio, and another different way of
love is shown through Shylock to himself. Hatred is greatly shown through the characters Shylock
and Antonio and Jessica and her father Shylock. All these big incidents demonstrate the back bone
theme of The Merchant of

Analysis of The Merchant of Venice Essay
Analysis of The Merchant of Venice
William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" is based on a simple enough plot, but it gives
a more complex view of the characters involved. It portrays each characters attitude, opinions and
actions and shows how they affect the other characters.
======================================================================
Shylock is perhaps the most noteworthy character. He is centred on most of the play's events.
Throughout the play he is portrayed as both a villain and a victim and is used to emphasise a
number of the play's themes such as greed, revenge, prejudice and racism.
The play begins with Antonio, the merchant of the play's title, being...show more content...
He was once even referred to as "the devil". The fact that all of the play's characters see Shylock as
a villain makes it difficult for the reader to see him as anything else. Though the play does show an
apparent change in Shylock from villain to victim it is still uncertain what he actually is.
There are many aspects that portray Shylock as a villain. The fact that he lives in a Christian
society, yet still he has a deep hatred of Christians and in particular Antonio is the most obvious
aspect:
"How like a fawning publican he looks/ I hate
him for he is a Christian"
His hatred for Antonio is shown at the end of the play when his intent on Antonio's life is shown as
well as his desire for revenge:
"I will have my bond"
At the beginning of the play his devious and cunning side is portrayed when he hides his hatred for
Antonio behind his proposed friendship. His cunning side is again portrayed at the end of the play
when he expects to be shown mercy by the Christians yet he has shown no mercy to them:
"You take my house when you do not take the prop/ they doth sustain my house; you take my life
/ when you do not take the means whereby I live."
Finally the treatment he gives his daughter Jessica portrays him as a villain. He forces his Jewish
religion upon her yet does not

Essay on The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice is shows the dynamics of love and to what extent humans will go to show
love, they will use their wealth and even be prepared to give up their life for the people they love.
Both Antonio and Portia love Bassanio differently. Portia perceives Antonio's phileo in competition
with her eros, (both forms of love will be defined later) and throughout the play she is seen trying to
defeat Antonio's phileo and she does this by subjugating Antonio, firstly with her wealth, she offers
to pay of his debt to Shylock three times more the amount he had bound himself, then she saves his
life and finally teaching Bassanio that she can use her womanly powers to refuse him the
consummating power in marriage, through the ring saga....show more content...
The other type of love is known as eros, it is what most people refer to when they announce with a
smile, I'm in love. This type of love covers everything from queasy stomachs and warm fuzzy
feelings to strong sensual passion" (A Short Handbook on Love) or in other words intimate
romantic love. Eros is the love between Portia and Bassanio. The word love in this paper will be
substituted by the words phileo and eros to emphasize the distinctions when addressing Antonio and
Bassanio's love and the love between Portia and Antonio. Even though the love between Antonio and
Bassanio and Bassanio are Portia are completely different, however they are in competition with each
other.
Bassanio is aware of the depth of Antonio's phileo for him, and therefore exploits Antonio's love in
exchange for money. The depth of Antonio's phileo is not superficial, it runs deep, which surface
when he tells Bassanio "...if stand as you yourself still do/Within the eye of honour, be assur'd/My
purse, my person. My extreme means/Lie all unlock'd to your occasion" (I.i.136–39). It is because of
this phileo that Antonio goes into a bond with his Jewish enemy Shylock who return for this favor
Shylock demands a pound of flesh should he default the loan agreement. In Love and Likeness
Walter F Eggers Jr. writes that ..."Antonio has to enlist Shylocks help to make his generosity to
Bassanio possible. For the first time in the play, friendship is seen

The Depression of Antonio in Merchant of Venice
In the Merchant of Venice, we see a truly anti–Semitic play by Shakespeare. However, we also see a
tale of money (greed and generosity), love (heterosexual and homosexual), and emotion (joy and
sadness).
The play revolves around Bassanio's love for Portia. Bassanio needs money to play the suitor to
Portia in "style". His friend who loves him, Antonio, agrees to give him the money, but, because all
of his money is invested in his merchant ships he must take a loan from the greedy Jew Shylock.
Shylock loans him the money in exchange for a pound of his flesh if he does not pay the loan back
on time. Bassanio wins Portia's hand, but, before they are joined together, Portia will...show more
content...
However, if we explore the play more closely, we see that there are some valid external reasons
that may be adding to Antonio's imbalance of humors. One of these is that he is suffering from the
existential dilemma to a degree. In a world of appearances, he realizes how difficult it is to find
real meaning and the truth. As he warns Bassanio regarding Shylock, "Mark you this, Bassanio,/Th
devil can cite scripture for his purpose./An evil soul producing holy witness/Is like a villain with a
smiling cheek–/A goodly apple rotten at the heart:/O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!"
(Shakespeare 206).
Thus, Antonio is searching for something higher or more spiritual than the world of materialism
and superficial appearances he views all about him. His speech above mirrors the speech of
Bassanio when he discusses how the world of appearances is deceptive and often conceals the
truth underneath. As he says, "The world is still deceiv'd with ornament" (Shakespeare 216). This
is why he chooses the plain lead casket which is the correct one with Portia's picture. However,
Bassanio represents another source of Antonio's sadness. Antonio is deeply in love with Bassanio
and, though their loves as friends is mutual and profound, Bassanio chooses Portia as his wife. Yet,
this never stops Antonio from helping his friend or trying to do as much as he can for his true
happiness. As he tells Shylock with regard to the loan,

Outline Of Merchant Of Venice
The Merchant of Venice Essay Outline
Introduction:
Hook: The theme is the main subject or message of a story. It is used to give depth and enhance the
plot. "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13)
Bridge: When you read The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare there are many themes
throughout the play and many lessons to be learned.
Main Ideas: The most important themes are hatred, mercy and friendship because they have a
significant meaning and help advance the plot.
Thesis: The most important themes are hatred, mercy and friendship because they have a significant
meaning and help advance the plot.
Body Paragraph One:
Topic Sentence:One of the main themes of this play is hatred and prejudice .Throughout the play,
Shakespeare makes fun of other nationalities and religions.
Subpoint #1: Since the beginning of the play, you can tell that Shylock and Antonio strongly dislike
each other .
Example: "I hate him for he is a Christian, But more for that in low simplicity He lends out money
gratis and brings down the rate of usance here with us in Venice.If I can catch him once upon the
hip,I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him."(Act 1 scene 3) Analysis: From this quote, we learn
that Shylock hates Antonio for being a Christian and for lending money with no interest. Antonio
hates Shylock for being Jewish. Both of them have grudges against each other and they want to get
revenge. You can tell from this quote that back in those times, Jewish people weren't treated right.
Subpoint #2: another example of prejudice in this play is when Portia rejects the Prince of Morocco.
Even though she doesn't know him she judged him for his skin color. Example:"If I could bid the
fifth welcome with so good heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be glad of his
approach. If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should
shrive me than wive me." (Act 1 scene 2)
Analysis:In this quote, she is saying that even if he were a saint she would never marry him because
he has dark skin.
Paragraph Conclusion: In the end, William Shakespeare seems biased towards people of different
races and religions by using stereotypes and discrimination.
Body paragraph two:
Topic

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The Merchant Of Venice Essays