... Antonio this brings to the forefront conflict between the two characters and this conflict increases to hate as the characters become more involved in each other's lives. When Portia's, the Lady of Belmont, father dies she is left to fulfill her fathers last wishes. In his will he states that Portia must marry, but only on certain conditions. Portia's father devised a plan ... Portia, and failed, Bassanio enters the picture, a familiar face, and one that is increasingly welcome. "He, [Bassanio] of all the that ever my Foolish eyes looked upon, was the best deserving A fair lady." (I, 2,...

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

... in between the two circumstances. In Act 1 we see Bassanio asks his old friend Antonio for some money to impress in lady he would like to take the hand in marriage of who lives in Belmont. Antonio accepts but cannot get money until his ships come in, so he asks a ruthless Jewish ... win Portia Bassanio has to choose a casket that is either gold, lead or silver. Luckily Bassanio picks the correct basket, the one with Portia's portrait concealed it and can therefore marry the beautiful heiress. Fair Portia's counterfeit! What demi-god Hath come so near creation? Move these eyes? Consequen...

• Word Count: 714
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... pay off his debts. Unfortunately, the only way Bassanio can marry Portia is to choose between three caskets and find the casket with Portia's portrait. The caskets are made of three metals, gold, silver and lead. Because Bassanio is poor himself, he does not think himself to be worth as much as gold or ... says: "The seeming truth wish cunning times put on to entrap the wisest/ Therefore, thou gaudy gold/ hard food for Midas, I will have none of thee/ Nor none of thee, thou pale and common drudge t"ween man and man/ but thou, thou meager lead, which rather threathenest than dost promise...

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