|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
The Merchant of Venice
|
|
(c.1596) Play by *Shakespeare in which a Venetian merchant, Antonio, borrows money from Shylock the Jew to enable Bassanio to marry Portia. It is Shylock who dominates the play; presented on one level as a figure deserving ridicule and hatred, he acquires in Shakespeare's hands a tragic stature. His bond, if the money is not repaid, is a pound of the merchant's flesh. Antonio's ships are delayed and Shylock claims his due. Portia disguises herself as a lawyer to plead for Antonio, with her famous speech beginning 'The quality of mercy is not strained'. But Shylock insists.
|
|
|
|
His evil intent is defeated only by Portia's legalistic argument that his bond is described as flesh and that if he spills a drop of blood in taking it he must die. Subplots include the courting of Portia and of Jessica, Shylock's daughter. Portia, an heiress, can only be won by a suitor who decides correctly whether her portrait is in a casket of gold, silver or lead (Bassanio wins with lead). Jessica elopes with a Christian, to the horror of Shylock who is forced to leave her his wealth and to turn Christian himself.
|
|
|
|