Introduction

In order to help his friend Antonio court Portia, Shylock gives Antonio, an anti-Semitic businessman, a loan of money. Shylock, who lacks compassion, demands a pound of Antonio’s flesh because he is unable to repay the loan. Antonio is saved by Portia, an heiress who is now the wife of one of Antonio’s friends. Portia pretends as a lawyer.

Brief Summary – “Merchant Of Venice”

The story of the Venetian Christian businessman Antonio begins with him sitting in a depressed mood. He unsuccessfully attempted to be uplifted by all of his buddies. Finally, one of Antonio’s close mates, Bassanio, arrives and asks for a loan from him. Antonio, though, has all of his money invested in his ships.

When Antonio cannot give his friend a direct loan, he chooses to ask Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, to take the loan in Antonio’s place. Shylock chooses to waive the loan’s interest, but with a very unusual condition. Antonio will be required to give Shylock a pound of his flesh if he doesn’t repay the loan. Antonio cheerfully signs the loan agreement. This example from The Merchant of Venice demonstrates Antonio’s willingness to support his friend.

After receiving the funds, Bassanio meets Portia to propose to her in Belmont. Because of her father’s unusual screening for prospective husbands, Portia has remained single. The three caskets, constructed of lead, silver, and gold, are presented to the men for selection. One of these coffins contains Portia’s photo. She will be open to marriage to the man who selects the appropriate casket. The Merchant of Venice plot claims that some princes made the wrong choice.

In the following section of the Merchant of Venice analysis, Bassanio travels to Belmont and selects the appropriate coffin. He is permitted to wed Portia, but Graziano, Basaanio’s companion, chooses to wed Portia’s friend Nerissa.

Bassanio and Graziano depart for Belmont after getting word that Antonio has not paid back the loans. They receive 6000 ducats from Portia so they can pay back the loan and save Antonio. The ladies Portia and Nerissa have plans to follow their suitors to Venice shortly after their departure by dressing as men. After being detained, Antonio is brought before the Duke of Venice for a trial.

Portia and Nerissa make their entrance in the courtroom in the next act of Litcharts’ Merchant of Venice, dressed as the doctor of law who everyone was expecting to deliver the verdict. She begs Shylock to pardon Antonio, but he insists on the validity of the contract and declines to collect money from Bassanio on Antonio’s behalf. Portia coincides, but adds that since it isn’t stated in the contract anywhere, Shylock can get his way without making Antonio bleed. As a result of being exposed by his own deception, Shylock is obliged to give up the loan and embrace Christianity as restitution for his deeds. In the end, everything turns out okay and Antonio’s fortune is restored.

About The Author

It is believed that Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice was written between 1596 & 1598. Antonio, a Venetian businessman, misses payments on a huge loan made to him by Jewish moneylender Shylock.

Conclusion – “Merchant Of Venice”

In contrast to the sombre themes that predominate much of the play, the play concludes with a happy and lighthearted reunion. Bassanio, Antonio, and Gratiano return to Belmont to meet Portia & Nerissa, who had just returned from Venice.