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 using the name of 'law'.
             Love also portrays an important element. Not only love for a soul mate but also for another human being. We see love of friendship, which is brought out well by the bond shared between Antonio and Bassanio, it is their love for one another, which fights the greatest of battles in the play, a death penalty, this bond in particular shines brighter than any other bond of the play. We see matrimonial love between Portia and Bassanio; this is also an important aspect, which helps bring out a more romantic side to the play.
             Shakespeare also brings out a prejudice side to the characters, with the help of Antonio versus Shylock. We see a harsher side to the ...