2006-12-29 12:38:49 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
It is about bigotry and romance and friendship, revenge and mercy. It is a comedy, though there is a recent movie of it in which it is presented more of a drama. Personally I love this play; I like to see two bigots acting foolish.
Shylock is a Jew, Antonio is a Christian, and they hate each other.
Antonio, the merchant, borrows money from Shylock, the moneylender, using his heart as collateral. The money is for his friend Bassanio to woo Portia, whom he loves.
Shylock's daughter runs away with a Christian. So when Antonio can't pay, Shylock decides to collect Antonio's heart.
Portia marries Bassanio. Then she disguises herself as a judge, hears the case of Shylock vs. Antonio, and tries to convince Shylock to be merciful and not kill Antonio, since he now has the money to pay. Shylock makes a moving speech about mistreatment of Jews by Christians ("Hath not a Jew eyes?") and vows revenge. Portia then rules that Shylock must become a Christian and give all his money to his runaway daughter, and Antonio goes free.
Afterward Portia gives a party for Antonio and all his friends.
Shylock, although the bad guy, is somewhat sympathetic because of the wrongs Jews have suffered in Venice. Portia is a fun character, clever and full of tricks.
2006-12-29 14:32:58 · answer #1 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
An Italian salesman
2006-12-29 12:41:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
about a serious agreement that wasn't taken seriously by the other man.. which brought them to a trial in the court..
2006-12-29 12:48:18 · answer #3 · answered by apriL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercy, unreasonable payback, revenge.
2006-12-29 12:42:29 · answer #4 · answered by +bookish+ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you reap what you sow...!
2006-12-29 12:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by rufiboy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋