Merchant of Venice

Author: William Shakespeare

Summary: Antonio, an international merchant of Venice lends money to a friend (Bassanio) so that he can travel to woo the fair (and rich) Portia. Antonio has to take out a lone from a Jew named Shylock who requires a pound of flesh if Antonio cannot pay off the debt in time. Bassanio heads off to Belmont to try his luck at marrying Portia. However, Portia is bound by her deceased father's will; whoever desires to marry her must choose a casket (gold, silver, or lead) and if her portrait is found inside the casket then she must marry the person who chose correctly. When Antonio's ship all are reported to be wrecked and his fortune ruined, the Jew requires his justice and a pound of Antonio's flesh while Antonio pleads for mercy. You'll have to read the play to see how it turns out.

Recommendation: I found this play delightful. It's one of Shakespeare's more "serious" comedies, but it has plenty of interesting themes (justice vs. mercy, Jewish (OT) vs. Christian (NT), not judging by appearances, etc...)and plenty of humorous lines.

Hearts: 4
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1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Title: The Merchant of Venice

Author: William Shakespeare

Summary: This is a play written by Shakespeare about a man who helps his friend get the girl of his desires. Unfortunately, this help comes with a great price as he then owes a great deal of debt to another man.

Recommendation: Yes. It was my first time reading a play by Shakespeare, and I thought it was very interesting and entertaining. At times it was difficult to follow, but in the end I thought it was a great read.

Hearts: 3

July 26, 2008 1:57 PM

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