Book Review of The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare
‘There is nothing either good or bad but thinking
makes it so.’
Following is quoted by one of the greatest and
influential authors in English Literature. Among his famous works, The
Merchant of Venice is the first Shakespeare drama I read.
The Merchant of Venice, is set in 16th Century
Venice, where a man named Bassanio is in love with Portia, a wealthy heiress. In
order to present himself as one of potential suiter he needs a loan of three
thousand ducats. He approaches his friend Antonio who is a merchant; Antonio is
unable to help Bassanio as his wealth is invested in his fleet, which is
currently at sea. Hence, they decide to borrow money from a Jewish moneylender
Shylock, who dislikes Antonio due to his anti-Semitic behavior towards Jews.
Despite his initial denial Shylock agrees to lend
Bassanio the money under one condition, that if they fail to repay him within
three months, Antonio will be bound to offer a pound of flesh to Shylock.
Another act begins with the will that Portia’s father has
put forward for the suitors, where they must choose from three casket, one
which contains Portia’s portrait. All other suitors failed in the test, but
Bassanio was able to fulfill the terms of the will.
Meanwhile, news surfaces that Antonio’s ships have been
wrecked and he is on verge of bankruptcy. Bassanio hurries back but the date
for repayment has passed and Shylock demands Antonio flesh.
In the mist of all these, Portia enters as lifesaver disguised
as lawyer and saves Antonio’s life. And its Happy Ending for all expect
Shylock.
The book/drama is quite interesting though the initial
acts are quite confusing but once the main plot comes to play you cannot take
your eyes off. The book touches upon love, friendship, hatred, justice, mercy
emotions.
Like all
other Shakespeare works, The Merchant of Venice is filled humor and
witty remarks. The old English does make it difficult to sit through, but the
humor grabs your attention. One of my favorite line is from Morocco, Act 2
Scene 7 “All that glitters is not gold”.
The complex
and unique characters, dark humor and witty remarks sets this book apart from
other fantasy novels.
Shakespeare, W. (2003). The merchant of venice. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
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