The main plot is centered on the bond which entitles Shylock to get a pound of Antonio¡s flesh if Antonio is unable to repay his debt.
             The two subplots provide also much enjoyment. They are concerned with Portia trying to get married and Jessica, Shylock¡s daughter, eloping with Lorenzo.
             The main plot uses events and dialogue to create an atmosphere of anxiety. The
             quick tempo of interest play also helps to sustain readers¡ interest.
             The play start off with suspense when Antonio worries about the safety of his ships which he has invested much money. He has no cash to lend Bassanio and has to borrow from Shylock. Here, Shakespeare uses contrast between Christians and Hews, as well as loyalty and hate. Antonio, the Christian, hates Jews and often abuses Shylock, the Jew for lending money at high interest. But he still does business with Shylock because he feels he has a duty to help his fellow Christian Bassanio. If Antonio were not a loyal friend to Bassanio, he would not have to borrow money from Shylock and the play would have to have a different plot.
             Shylock makes no secret that he intends to carry out the terms of the bonds, by which he gets a pound of Antonio¡s human flesh if Antonio cannot pay back the debt at the end of three months. The play reaches its turning point when Antonio loses all his ships and becomes bankrupt The Christians are shocked when Shylock actually demands his lawful pound of flesh from Antonio. Shakespeare introduces this element of surprise to create tension, making the play more interesting.
             The trial brings the play to its climax. Portia waits until the very moment Shylock is going to cut Antonio¡s flesh to reveal the loophole she has discovered in the bond between them. The bond allows Shylock to get a pound of flesh but not blood as well. It is impossible to get flesh without blood. Shylock is defeated and humiliates. Half of his wealth is confiscated and he
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