The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

The Merchant of Venice -- background n Shakespeare wrote this play in 1596 or n In Shakespeare’s time The Merchant of Venice was regarded as a comedy; however, modern audiences see elements of tragedy as well.

The Merchant of Venice -- history n King Edward I of England had persecuted and expelled the Jews in n From the 13th century on, Jews were expelled in countries all over Europe. n Shakespeare cannot have known a great deal about the Jewish community.

The Merchant of Venice -- history n By 1509 Venice, Italy allowed Jews to build a community within the city. n However, Jews were restricted by strict laws limiting property ownership, commerce, and social life.

n Venice is the world of reality. n Venice was the international hub of sea- faring trade and commerce during the Renaissance. n Venice means business -- all scenes in Venice involve trade, money, and striking deals. The Setting -- Venice

The Rialto Bridge

The Setting – Belmont Island n Belmont is a fictional island. n It represents the green world of nature, fantasy, and love. n Characters escape the reality of Venice when they go to Belmont.

Thematic Topics n love and money n justice and mercy n anti-Semitism and tolerance n villainy and heroism n appearance and reality n comedy and tragedy

Main Characters -- Venice n Shylock -- a wealthy money lender n Antonio -- a wealthy merchant n Bassanio --Antonio’s nobleman friend n Gratiano-Bassanio’s big-mouthed friend

n Jessica -- Shylock’s daughter n Lorenzo -- Bassanio’s young friend Main Characters -- Venice

Minor Characters -- Venice n Tubal --Shylock’s friend and partner n Salerio and Solanio -- Antonio and Bassanio’s gossipy friends n Duke of Venice -- representative of law and order

Comic Characters -- Venice n Lancelot Gobbo -- Shylock’s lazy servant n Old Gobbo -- Lancelot’s old, blind father

n Portia -- a beautiful, wealthy heiress admired by Bassanio n Nerissa -- Portia’s waiting-woman, a friend and confidante Characters -- Belmont Island n Prince of Morocco -- one of Portia’s suitors, from Africa n Prince of Arragon -- another of Portia’s suitors, from Spain

Plots n the bond plot n the casket plot n the elopement plot n the ring plot

The Merchant of Venice