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The Merchant of Venice

by William Shakespeare

The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is one of William Shakespeare's best-known plays, written sometime between 1596 and 1598. Although it is sometimes classified as a comedy and shares certain aspects with the other romantic comedies, it is perhaps more remembered for its dramatic scenes (particularly the trial scene) and is best known for its portrayal of the Jew Shylock, which has raised questions of anti-semitism.

Source: Shakespeare, W. (1597). The Merchant of Venice.New York: Sully and Kleinteich.

Merchant of Venice: Cast of Characters
The Cast of Characters is presented.
Merchant of Venice: Act 1, Scene 1
Antonio is overtaken with an unexplained sadness, but Solanio has a theory why he is saddened. Antonio, having extended himself financially, cannot fulfill the request of Bassanio.
Merchant of Venice: Act 1, Scene 2
Portia considers the worthiness of her many suitors, and complains of the conditions of her father's will.
Merchant of Venice: Act 1, Scene 3
Having agreed to guarantee a loan for Bassanio, Antonio enters into a strange agreement with Shylock.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 1
The prince of Morocco arrives in Belmont to see Portia.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 2
Lancelot and Old Gobbo present a proposition to Bassanio. Bassianio and Graziano depart for Belmont.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 3
Jessica bids farewell to Lancelot as she plans her own escape from her father.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 4
Graziano, Lorenzo, Salerio, and Solanio, devise a plan for Lorenzo and Jessica.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 5
Shylock warns Lancelot about Bassanio. Jessica waits patiently for her chance to leave.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 6
Lorenzo, Graziano, and Salerio meet with Jessica as planned.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 7
In Belmont, the prince of Morocco attempts to win the hand of Portia.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 8
Shylock reacts to the departure of his daughter, as rumors of Disaster reach Venice.
Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 9
In Belmont, the prince of Aragon arrives to win the hand of Portia.
Merchant of Venice: Act 3, Scene 1
Shylock, still enraged by his daughter's departure, vows to have his revenge on Antonio for his previous treatment.
Merchant of Venice: Act 3, Scene 2
In Belmont, Bassanio attempts to win the hand of Portia. Nerissa and Graziano make a suggestion to Portia and Bassanio in regards to their impending nuptials. A letter arrives from Antonio prompting Bassanio to depart for Venice.
Merchant of Venice: Act 3, Scene 3
Antonio is taken to debtors prison, escorted by Shylock.
Merchant of Venice: Act 3, Scene 4
Portia, eager to assist Antonio, prays for the safe return of Bassanio and Antonio's well-being.
Merchant of Venice: Act 3, Scene 5
Lancelot and Jessica discuss the fate of her soul.
Merchant of Venice: Act 4, Scene 1
Shylock, determined to receive his bond, refuses a generous offer by Bassanio. Shylock prepares to receive his bond as the court awaits the arrival of Balthasar. Portia, disguised as Balthasar, attempts to incite mercy in the heart of Shylock. Shylock's victory in court is short-lived.
Merchant of Venice: Act 4, Scene 2
Portia dispatches Nerissa to Shylock's house. The disguised Portia is approached by Graziano.
Merchant of Venice: Act 5, Scene 1
Jessica and Lorenzo discuss their love as news of Portia and Bassanio arrives. Graziano and Bassanio are confronted about the whereabouts of their rings. Antonio receives news of his ships.
  • Year Published: 1597
  • Language: English
  • Country of Origin: England
  • Readability:
    • Flesch–Kincaid Level: 11.0
  • Word Count: 22,733
  • Genre: Tragedy
  • Keywords: 16th century literature, british literature, comedy, drama, merchant of venice, william shakespeare
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