Shakespeare
The Merchant of Venice is a grasping play written by Shakespeare in the late 16th century. It reflects on very day human behavior and on the very aspects that make up a man, hatred, love, greed, revenge, mercy, friendship and fairness. We see these themes being brought about well by characters in the play which being, Portia, Antonio, Shylock, Bassanio, Gratiano, Jessica, Nerissa, The Duke etc. each individual having his or her own ability and uniqueness which only adds to the effectiveness of Shakespeare's writing. The ever-famous trial scene is the center around which the play revolves, apart from the other features, however it's composed of mercy, justice and friendship all in one bringing out the essence of the play. There are many messages conveyed to the reader as the play proceeds, however in my own opinion the reality of 'money being the root of all evil' is most important and is stressed on in many ways in the play. Especially well proven in the trial scene in which Shylock demands for his money and refuses to show mercy. We see a very money minded world; yet, we also see a revengeful one. The characters seem to have hatred flowing through their blood, for they insist on getting back at their offender, which they justify
But in my personal opinion however judgmental, prejudice or narrow Shakespeare's views are, nevertheless his views are justified with the fact that life in the late 16th century was exactly the way he wrote it to be, and he is now remembered for his brilliant skills to turn a dramatic story into an amazing play script, this fantastic ability which he possesses, is well proven in the play The Merchant of Venice. Since that didn't work with shylock he begs the Duke to bend the laws just this once, unfortunately that wasn't possible and Bassanio is left in a no- win situation. Not only love for a soul mate but also for another human being. They don't seem to mind giving up their wives for the sake of Antonio's life, this is a very big statement for married men to make, but it goes to show how much Antonio really means to them. Bassanio"Antonio, I am married to a wife Which is dear to me as life itselfBut life itself, my wife, and all the world,Are not with me esteem'd above thy life. However Bassanio's loyalty is proven when he offers to switch places with his friend, for it was him who put Antonio in the current situation. We see the strength of this bond put to the test when Shylock is determined to take Antonio's life, all because he wanted his friend Bassanio, to be happy, he even put his life on the line. Unfortunately their friendship isn't explored in great detail during the trial scene but it does play a tiny part in the saving of Antonio's life. " GratianoI have a wife who I protest I love;I would she were in heaven, so she couldEntreat some power to change this currish Jew. This proves to us that Bassanio is willing to sacrifice worldly desires for the sake of his friend. Critics tend to question Shakespeare's point of view some readers consider it racial and unjustified. He pleads with him to take the money in twice its amounts if he would tear the bond up and forget about pursuing the trial any further.
Common topics in this essay:
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Nerissa Duke,
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Bassanio Antonio,
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late 16th century,
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