The Merchant of Venice (Essay)

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Essay B – The Merchant of Venice “The Merchant of Venice” is a comedy play written by William Shakespeare in 1596-97. As most of Shakespeare’s plays, this is a universal play – the themes are still relevant. A Venetian merchant, Antonio, complains to his friend, Bassanio, of a sadness that he is unable to explain. Bassanio needs money in his try to win the wealthy heiress, Portia, who lives in the city of Belmont. Bassanio is desperate. He needs money so he can travel with style to Portia’s manor. Therefor he asks Antonio of a loan. Unfortunately, Antonio is not able to make him a loan because all his own money is invested in some trade ships – and they are still at sea. Then Antonio suggests that Bassanio can make a loan from one of the city’s moneylenders. He can just name Antonia as the guarantor of the loan, and then he would pay when the ships arrive. Antonia and Bassanio go to the Jewish moneylender, Shylock. They ask for a loan. Even though, Shylock doesn’t like Antonio for his berating and criticism of Jews (Shylock inclusive) and Antonio refuses to apologize, they come to the agreement of a loan on three thousand ducats. Shylock has only one claim. If the loan should not be paid, Shylock will be entitled to a pound of Antonio’s own flesh – Antonio agrees. When Bassanio arrives at Portia’s manor in Belmont, they declare their love to each other. Bassanio also chooses the right casket, which is made of lead (one casket out of three caskets would give the pass to marry Portia – her father’s will. The two others were made of gold and silver). At the wedding, Portia gives Bassanio a ring as a “token of love”. Bassanio swears that he under no circumstances will sell it or give it away – he will never take it off. Suddenly, the wedding stopped. The news that Antonio has lost his ships and that Shylock has claimed his rights makes Bassanio and

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