$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$14490.00$1The play, as the title suggests, is set in Italy. Venice, in the popular
imagination of Elizabethan society, was a place of fabulous wealth,
royal merchants, richly attired gentlemen, and refined culture.
Antonio is very much a part of this society. But this is not the only
part of the Venetian picture that is portrayed in the play; another
less romantic view is also given. It is the cruel commercial and
legal side of Venice, where ships are sunk at sea, fortunes are won
and lost, moneylenders haggle for increased interest on the loans
needed by businessmen, and the law is interpreted literally without
In contrast to this business-like picture of Venice, Belmont is the
ideal romantic world, filled with music, happiness, harmony, and
love. It is here that Portia lives, and where Bassanio and Gratanio
Antonio - a merchant of Venice. He is a model Christian
gentleman. He is esteemed and loved by his many friends, though
his outward appearance is sad. His dignity and generosity have
earned him many admirers. A philosophical man, he is tired of
frivolous activities and tends to be reflective. His early cruelty
towards Shylock is partly evened out by the mercy he later shows
the man. He has every desired virtue of nobility.
Shylock - a Jewish moneylender in Venice. He is shown as being
oppressed by his private torments. The times have him constantly
humiliated and scorned. He hates all Christians, and the feeling is
mutual. His vengeful temperament leads him to seek the life of
Antonio. He is ultimately trapped by the law, which is used against
him. In the end, he is a betrayed father and a despised citizen.
Bassanio - a beloved friend of Antonio. He is a member of the
nobility, who is about to give up his bachelorhood. His high-
spirit...