... play is in my eyes. Portia doing what she can for her one true love, Bassanio. Money is of no importance to her especially when it comes to the happiness or unhappiness of Bassanio. There are many places in the Merchant of Venice that show Portia and Bassanio's indifference, and what seems to be apathy toward wealth. Many are hidden and many are as clear ... his extravagant living which has left him in debt to others. At first money seems to be of some importance to Bassanio, but towards the middle of the play his thoughts seem to change. Although Portia's father does not have a so-call...

• Word Count: 1324
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

The Merchant of Venice In the world of Shakespeare's play, the Merchant of Venice, contracts in their many forms are very important. There are binding legal agreements such as Shylocks contract with Antonio and the legalitorys surrounding Portia's fathers will. Less rigorous are the ... the hatred and mistrust he has concerning Antonio, this hatred stems from the fact that Antonio: "Lends out money gratis and brings down The rate of usance here with us in Venice" (I, 3,41-42) But more importantly because of his religious beliefs: "How like a fawning publication he looks. I hate him for he is...

• Word Count: 1808
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... being. Another theme that presents itself in the play is religion. This play is seen as very controversial because of the anti-Semitic feelings voiced throughout. In Venice, at Shakespeare's time, Jews were being persecuted and were commonly seen as villains. Ironically, the villain of Merchant of Venice is the Jewish usurer, Shylock. All throughout the play, Shylock is taunted and ridiculed for being a Jew. ... though he is wealthy, he still isn't worthy of being treated like a human being because he is Jewish. Another example of how these two themes are connected is through Jessica an...

• Word Count: 1397
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Is Antonio, the title character in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, Gay? Does he love Bassannio in a homosexual way? Is Antonio's willingness to risk his life for Bassannio a clue to his true feelings toward him? ... all be bored to tears instead of entertained. Antonio's love for Bassannio is indeed relevant to the outcome of the play, and if he had said, um nah, sorry Bass, but I can't help you out, Shakespeare's story would end there and no one would be studying The Merchant of Venice today. The fact of the matter is that since this ... play is old, and the times have changed we all must ...

• Word Count: 1530
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School