The Merchant of Venice

Comedy

1596-1597

Venice

Christianity

Story

Characters

Bassanio : noble but peniless = poor Venetian

Antonio : his friend's wealthy merchant

Portia : lover of Bassanio

Shylock : Jewish moneylander

if lender money cannot be repaid in time : Antonio have to give a pound of flesh (chair)

Antonia's ships lost at sea

Antonio asks to Shylock

Shylock try to murder Antonio : demands his pound of flesh

Bassanio asks Antonio for money because he loves Portia

Portia (disguised as a lawyer) : legal quibble to Shylock : must die if any blood is spilled

The contract between Antonio and Shylock is cancelled

Shylock gives half of his estate to Antonio

Shylock converts to christianity

Some of Antonio's ships have arrived safely