The merchant of Venice

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

The merchant of Venice

curated byVALENTINA LARICE & MARIA IRRERA

introductory information

Probable composition: 1596 to 1598

First rappresentation: 1597

First pubblication: 1600; Format: quarto

Inclusion in the "First Folio" :1623

Original full title: "The Most Excellent History of the Merchant of Venice”

Charters

antonio

Wealthy merchant from Venice

Shilock

Jewish loan shark

bassanio

Young nobleman in love with Portia

jessica

Shilock's daughter

portia

Wealthy Belmont heiress

The weft

• The story takes place between Venice and Belmont ( imaginary city).

• Antonio helps his friend Bassanio obtain a loan in order to court Portia. The money is borrowed from Shylock, who sets a condition: if the loan is not repaid, he will be entitled to take a pound of Antonio’s flesh.

• When Antonio is unable to repay the debt, a trial takes place, where Portia (disguised as a lawyer) saves Antonio by using a legal trick.

Topics

• Justice and mercy: it represents the conflict between strict law and compassion.
• Prejudice: Shylock experiences discrimination because he is Jewish.
• Revenge and forgiveness: the characters have to choose between hatred and mercy.
• Love and friendship: different types of relationships and loyalty are shown.
• Money and values: wealth influences people’s decisions.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Unit 01

The quality of mercy is not strained"

PORZIA

Sources

• https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Merchant-of-Venice?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/the-merchant-of-venice/
• https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/merchant/?utm_source=chatgpt.com