Bassanio is friends with Antonio, a wealthy merchant of Venice, who has helped him when he needed money in the past. The lovely heiress Portia of Belmont is desired by the young noble Venetian Bassanio, who has spent away his estate. With the extreme cruelty of Shylock the Jew towards the Merchant…” Summary This is evident in the title page of the play’s first quarto: “The most excellent History of the Merchant of Venice. Interestingly, the title character of the Merchant of Venice is in fact the merchant Antonio, not the play’s most notable character, the moneylender Shylock. Another noteworthy moment is Portia’s speech regarding “the quality of mercy.” Shakespeare’s play is often remembered for the character of Shylock and the well-known “Hath not a Jew eyes” speech. While the Merchant of Venice is identified as a comedy within the First Folio, and though it may share some comedic elements with Shakespeare’s other comedies, the Merchant of Venice is notable for its dramatic moments. William Shakespeare is believed to have written the Merchant of Venice between the years of 15.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |