Written by William Shakespeare between 1596 and 1598, The Merchant of Venice is classified as a Christian Comedy which consists of serious themes and some unresolved issues. This work delivers the message of good triumphs over evil. This play is remembered for its dramatic scenes, for Shylock as well as the famous ‘pound of flesh’ speech.
Many years ago, Italian city of Venice was one of the richest cities in the world. Antonio is among the wealthiest of its merchants who is also kind and generous. There is a man called Bassanio who needs 3000 ducats as he wanted to travel to Belmont and to marry the Heiress Portia. He then turns up to Antonio who is his best friend, whose money is pending on Ships while doing business. A Jew named Shylock is the one to whom they turn to borrow 3000 ducats. As Antonio is a guarantor, Shylock puts the condition that if he fails to repay the money back, then Antonio was required to give away pound of flesh which is closest to his heart. The bond is agreed.
Meanwhile, many suitors were visiting Portia at Belmont. There were three caskets of lead, silver and gold and according to her dead father’s wishes; the suitors are required to choose between those caskets. She would marry the person who chooses the casket which had the portrait of herself, which no man had done so far. Shylock has a daughter named Jessica who wishes to marry the Christian named Lorenzo against her father’s will. She takes away some part of her father’s fortune and runs away. This news makes Shylock very angry and he vows to take revenge.
Bassanio with his friend Gratiano travels to Belmont. Before hand, Prince of Aragon and Prince of Morocco had attempted but they fail to select the casket which had Portia’s portrait. Bassanio selects the lead casket which is the correct one. His friend Gratiano also woes Nerissa as the four people prepare to wed. Bassanio is given a note from Venice that due to failure of payment, Antonio’s pound of flesh was demanded by Shylock. This news disturbs Bassanio and Portia assures him to give any possible amount she can. Both, Bassanio as well as Gratiano leaves for Venice.
Portia and Nerissa think of a plan and dress up like lawyers (Balthasar and her clerk) to assist Antonio. The two ladies wait for their husbands in the monastery and tell Jessica and Lorenzo to mind their houses in the meantime. Both the women appeal for mercy and ask Shylock to void the bond by accepting 9000 ducats. Shylock flatly refuses as he seeks vengeance on the Christians who had criticized him as he was a Jew.
Portia then goes through the bond again and realizes that Shylock is allowed to just take one pound of flesh without any blood. Shylock is enforced to sacrifice the bond as well as the money, half to general state and half to Antonio. Antonio declines his money, but demands Shylock to convert into Christianity and grant his fortunes to his daughter when he dies. Shylock agrees it painfully.
Both the men thank Balthasar and her clerk and propose them everything they wish. Portia and Nerissa ask for Bassanio’s and Gratiano’s rings which they both hand over to them. Soon, both the men return to their wives with the good news. When asked about the rings both men express the situation and apologize to them. Portia and Nerissa explain that they were the doctors and show them the rings.
Merchant of Venice is one of the most famous plays ever and the work is well appreciated as one of the all time classic books.
