The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice

• Author: William Shakespeare

Considerations

• Year: late 16th century

I think that The Merchant of Venice is one of the works that helps us understand Shakespeare's way of writing and at the same time it puts us most aware of the situation at the time, of the discrimination of the Jews, of the commercial revolution in Venice, etc...

• Place: Venice

• Genre: Tragic-comedy

Main Sources

As lots of playwriters used to do in the past, Shakespears was influenced by many sources that helped him and gave him the inspiration to write the Merchant of Venice

Plot

Main Themes

Characters

All the characters have a crucial role in the development of the story

The Elizabethan Theatre

During the Golden Age of the Elizabethan Theatre, drama became the most famous manifestation of all time. Up to 1576, plays were performed on a platform raised in the yard. Soon after the first public playhouse was built, outside the walls of the city of London. Its construction was followed by many others (such as the Swan and the Globe). Actors were well trained and able to play more than one role. Women were not allowed on stage, and they were replaced by boy-actors. Performances usually began at two o'clock. Theatres had a circular or octagonal shape: they had three levels of galleries, where ladies and gentlemen sat, open to the sky. There was also a second stage for smaller scenes, and sometimes, even a third space was used for musicians or a balcony. Characters entered and exited through two doors or a trap-door. Simple props symbolized places or roles. Since daylight limited visual effects, drama focused more on the ear than the eye, with actors performing more as rhetoricians than they do today.

Sources

William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice was influenced by several sources. One key influence was Giovanni Fiorentino's Il Pecorone (1378), which features a story similar to Antonio and Shylock's, where a merchant agrees to a loan with a condition of a "pound of flesh" if the debt is unpaid. Another major source was Christopher Marlowe's The Jew of Malta (1592), featuring a vengeful Jewish character, Barabas, similar to Shylock. The legal ideas from Bartolus de Saxoferrato’s De legibus helped shape the legal parts of the play, while European folk stories and revenge themes influenced the play’s focus on loans and severe oaths. Additionally, a 1594 case involving Rodrigo Lopez, a Portuguese Jewish doctor accused of treason, may have influenced the portrayal of Shylock as a Jewish moneylender seeking revenge. Scholars debate whether the play criticizes anti-Jewish views or simply reflects human intolerance.

During the Golden Age of the Elizabethan Theatre, drama became the most famous manifestation of all time. Up to 1576, plays were performed on a platform raised in the yard. Soon after the first public playhouse was built, outside the walls of the city of London. Its construction was followed by many others (such as the Swan and the Globe). Actors were well trained and able to play more than one role. Women were not allowed on stage, and they were replaced by boy-actors. Performances usually began at two o'clock. Theatres had a circular or octagonal shape: they had three levels of galleries, where ladies and gentlemen sat, open to the sky. There was also a second stage for smaller scenes, and sometimes, even a third space was used for musicians or a balcony. Characters entered and exited through two doors or a trap-door. Simple props symbolized places or roles. Since daylight limited visual effects, drama focused more on the ear than the eye, with actors performing more as rhetoricians than they do today.

Characters

Antonio: a rich man who possesses lots of ships, known for his loyalty. Bassanio: Antonio’s cousin who wants to conquest Porcia and asks Antonio to help him. He spent all the money his father left to him on enjoyment and now he has nothing else. Gratiano and Lorenzo: Bassanio’s friends Portia: the beautiful young lady that Bassanio wants to marry. She lives in Belmont and his father left her a vest fortune and lots of strict instructions about her daughter’s wedding. Nerissa: Porcia’s maid and friend Shylock: a Jewish moneylender who discusses with Bassiano. He hates Antonio because he's Chrstain and lends money without asking for an extra payment, called interest. Jessica: Shylock’s daughter who is secretly in love with Lorenzo.

Acts

Act 1 If only I had enough money

The Merchant of Venice is divided into 5 acts, such as alla Shakespaerian plays. It also follows the classic structure of those times: introduction, development, turning point, complication and the happy ending.

During the Golden Age of the Elizabethan Theatre, drama became the most famous manifestation of all time. Up to 1576, plays were performed on a platform raised in the yard. Soon after the first public playhouse was built, outside the walls of the city of London. Its construction was followed by many others (such as the Swan and the Globe). Actors were well trained and able to play more than one role. Women were not allowed on stage, and they were replaced by boy-actors. Performances usually began at two o'clock. Theatres had a circular or octagonal shape: they had three levels of galleries, where ladies and gentlemen sat, open to the sky. There was also a second stage for smaller scenes, and sometimes, even a third space was used for musicians or a balcony. Characters entered and exited through two doors or a trap-door. Simple props symbolized places or roles. Since daylight limited visual effects, drama focused more on the ear than the eye, with actors performing more as rhetoricians than they do today.

Act 3 You are going to pay your debt

Act 2 All that glitters is not gold

Act 4 What a wise judge!

Act 5 Did you really give away my ring?

Jewish situation in England and Venice

Jews first came to England almost 500 years before Shakespeare, but they faced discrimination and were excluded from many jobs. During the Middle Ages, the church didn't allow Christians to lend money, so many Jews became moneylenders, which made people dislike them even more. In 1290, Jews were kicked out of England, and they couldn’t return until 1655. In literature, like in Marlowe’s The Jew of Malta, Jews were often shown as villains, but Shakespeare’s Shylock was more complicated. He challenged negative views about Jews and encouraged tolerance by showing that Jews are just as human and equal as Christians. In Venice, Jews also faced discrimination. They were forced to live in the Ghetto Nuovo, where they had to wear special badges, were limited to certain jobs, and paid high taxes. Despite these difficulties, Jewish culture thrived, and the Jewish community became an important part of Venice’s trade economy.

Main Themes

Justice and Mercy: The contrast between justice and mercy is explored, especially in the courtroom, where Shylock demands strict justice, while Portia argues that mercy is more powerful.

Money and Greed: The play examines wealth, focusing on Shylock’s obsession with money and revenge, and Antonio’s financial struggles, reflecting a materialistic world.

Love and Friendship: Love, especially Bassanio’s love for Portia, drives the plot, while friendship between Antonio and Bassanio shows how love and friendship lead to sacrifices and are tested by many challenges.

Prejudice and Discrimination: The play addresses racism and religious intolerance, particularly through Shylock’s mistreatment by Christians, highlighting tensions between different groups.

Act 1 - If only I had enough money

Antonio is at the port of Venice, feeling sad. His friends, Salarino and Solanio, think it’s because his ships are in danger, but Antonio says that's not the reason. Bassanio, accompanied by Lorenzo and Gratiano, arrives, and asks Antonio for money to help him conquer Portia, a wealthy woman. Meanwhile, Portia, tired of her inability to choose her own husband, complains to her handmaiden Nerissa. In the third scene, Bassanio and Antonio go to Shylock for a loan, but Shylock hesitates, because he's not sure that Antonio's fortune is gonna last. After a tense argument, Shylock proposes a contract: if Antonio fails to repay the loan, he must give Shylock a pound of flesh from any part of his body. Antonio agrees to the terms.

The pound of flesh

The idea of the "pound of flesh" in The Merchant of Venice is believed to be inspired by ancient Venetian law, which allowed a 30-day "grace period" for debt repayment. If the debt remained unpaid, the debtor could be sold into slavery or hanged. Before such a decision, creditors could cut off pieces of the debtor’s flesh in public, a practice meant to pressure the debtor's family to pay. Shylock's demand for a pound of flesh in the play exaggerates this cruel tradition. The concept of the "pound of flesh" also appears in other literary works, showing it was a recurring theme in storytelling. The phrase "pound of flesh" is still used in modern-day English.This means that someone is cruelly demanding repayment of a debt. They are not concerned about the consequences. ex. - "Sarah wanted her pound of flesh after her friend broke her promise”

Where and when it is set?

The Merchant of Venice is set in late 16th-century Venice and Belmont. Shakespeare likely knew the city from maps, Venetian art, and works like The Decameron. The play references the Venice Carnival, where masks were common, and the rise of Commedia dell'Arte. It also reflects Venice’s wealth during the 15th and 16th centuries, focusing more on money than love. Although Venice’s power declined after the Ottomans captured Constantinople in 1453, it remained a commercial hub, pioneering banking with the establishment of Banco Giro in 1524. The city also blended architectural styles, inspiring poets like Petrarch. Wealthy merchants built villas outside the city, many of which are now open to the public, preserving Venice’s cultural legacy.

Act 4 - What a wise judge!

In court, the Duke, Antonio, Bassanio, and Shylock talk about what should happen to Antonio. The Duke asks Shylock to show mercy, but Shylock insists on taking Antonio’s flesh. They wait for Doctor Bellario, and Nerissa, dressed as his clerk, arrives. Portia, disguised as a lawyer, says mercy is important but the law must still be followed. She points out that the contract doesn’t mention Antonio’s blood, so if Shylock hurts him, he will lose his land and money. Shylock refuses Bassanio’s offer of 6,000 ducats. In the end, Antonio asks Shylock to give his property to Jessica and Lorenzo and to convert to Christianity. Doctor Balthazar (Portia in disguise) asks for Bassanio’s ring as payment. Bassanio is unsure but gives the ring when Gratiano encourages him. Doctor Balthazar takes the ring.

Where and when it is set?

The Merchant of Venice is set in late 16th-century Venice and Belmont, with Shakespeare's knowledge of the city speculated to come from sources like maps, Venetian art, and works such as The Decameron. The play references the Venice Carnival, where masks were common, and the rise of Commedia dell'Arte. It also reflects Venice’s wealth during the 15th and 16th centuries, focusing more on money than love. Although Venice’s power declined after the Ottomans captured Constantinople in 1453, it remained a commercial hub, pioneering banking with the establishment of Banco Giro in 1524. The city also blended architectural styles, inspiring poets like Petrarch. Wealthy merchants built villas outside the city, many of which are now open to the public, preserving Venice’s cultural legacy.

Act 5 - Did you really give away my ring?

The scene starts with Lorenzo and Jessica talking romantically on a balcony. They’re interrupted by Stephano, who tells them that Portia will be back in Belmont soon. Launcelot also arrives and says his master will arrive in the morning. Then, Portia and Nerissa arrive quietly with just a small candle. Portia asks Lorenzo to keep their arrival a secret. When Bassanio, Antonio, and Gratiano arrive, Nerissa confronts Gratiano about giving his ring to the judge's clerk. Bassanio and Portia argue about the same thing because Bassanio gave his ring to the judge himself. The women say they won’t be their wives until they see the rings. Portia and Nerissa give Antonio the rings to take to Bassanio and Gratiano. When the men get the rings, they’re upset. Then, Portia reveals that she was the judge and Nerissa was the clerk. She also tells Antonio that three of his ships have safely arrived. Finally, Nerissa gives Lorenzo a document signed by Shylock, saying that Shylock’s property will go to him after his death.

Shylock monologue

“I will use it to catch fish if I want. He has laughed at me, he has called me a dog and he has spat on me. And why has he done all this? Because I am a Jew. Does not a Jew have eyes? Does not a Jew have hands, feelings, wants, needs, affections, as others do? If you cut Jews will they not bleed? If you touch them will they not laugh or cry? If you poison them, will they not die? If we are like you in all other things. why not in revenge too? He will pay his debt! The ugliness you Christians teach me, I will return.”

“Egli ha goduto per le mie perdite e ha dileggiato i miei guadagni, ha disprezzato la mia razza, ha intralciato i miei buoni affari, ha allontanato da me i miei buoni amici e mi ha aizzato contro i nemici! E tutto questo per quale ragione? Perché sono ebreo! E dunque? Non ha forse occhi un ebreo? Non ha mani, organi, membra, sensi, affetti e passioni? [...]. Se ci pungete non versiamo sangue, forse? E se ci fate il solletico non ci mettiamo forse a ridere? Se ci avvelenate, non moriamo? E se ci usate torto non cercheremo di rifarci con la vendetta? La stessa malvagità che voi ci insegnate sarà da me praticata, e non sarà certo difficile che io riesca persino ad andare oltre l’insegnamento.”

Why "The Merchant of Venice?"

The play is called "The Merchant of Venice" because the central character of the play is a merchant named Antonio, who lives in Venice, a wealthy and important city for commerce, which plays a significant role in the backdrop of the story, as the play deals with themes like trade, contracts, and loans, all of which are central to Antonio's character.

Act 3 - You are going to pay your debt

Solanio and Salarino hear that one of Antonio’s ships has sunk. Shylock is happy about Antonio’s misfortune and says he will take his pound of flesh. Tubal arrives, telling Shylock that another of Antonio’s ships is lost and that he still can’t find Jessica. Shylock orders Tubal to find an officer to arrest Antonio. Meanwhile, Bassanio, worried about Antonio, quickly chooses the lead box and finds Portia’s portrait, leading to their marriage. Gratiano also marries Nerissa. Lorenzo and Jessica join the celebration. Bassanio then receives a letter from Salerio saying Antonio is in danger and wants to see him one last time. In Venice, Shylock demands Antonio pay his debt, and Antonio says the Duke must follow the law. Portia and Nerissa decide to disguise themselves as men and go to Venice to help Antonio, leaving Lorenzo and Jessica in charge of her house.

Act 2 - All that glitters is not gold

The act begins with the Prince of Morocco, who fears his skin color may prevent him from winning Portia's heart, but Portia assures him it doesn’t matter. Launcelot, unhappy with Shylock, asks Bassanio for a job as his servant, which Bassanio accepts. Next, Jessica asks Launcelot to deliver a letter to Lorenzo. Lorenzo, upon receiving the letter, decides to host a masquerade ball to meet Jessica. Meanwhile, Shylock dines with Bassanio, and Jessica sneaks out to meet Lorenzo. The Prince of Morocco chooses the gold box, but it’s the wrong choice, finding a skull and a poem inside. The Prince of Aragon then chooses the silver box, but also fails. At the same time, Shylock discovers Jessica’s escape with Lorenzo, and Solanio and Salarino worry about Antonio’s debt. Antonio reassures Bassanio, telling him to focus on love rather than the debt.

Who wrote it?

The author of the comedy is William Shakespeare. He was born in England, in April 1564 and he probably went to the King's New School, in Stratford. When he was 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. He had three children: Susanna, Hamnet and Judith. From about 1583 to 1590, there is almost no record of William Shakespeare. These are called "the lost years". By 1592, he was established as an actor and playwright. In the 1590s, he wrote many history plays, comedies like A Midsummer Night's Dream, and tragedies such as Romeo and Juliet and Titus Andronicus. During this time, many of his works were performed for Queen Elizabeth I, who strongly admired him.

Why do we still study Shakespeare?

The main question is “Why do we still study Shakespeare nowadays?”. Although he is an author from very ancient times, Shakespeare is still a great poet and his plays are full of memorable passages of poetry, expressing a profound knowledge of human behaviour. Moreover he is the most quoted and most translated author on earth.