The major conflict driving the plot of The Merchant of Venice
takes place between Bassanio, who wants to marry Portia to gain the financial means to pay back his debt to Antonio, and Shylock, who wants revenge on Antonio for lending money without interest and for his anti-Semitic insults
.
What is the main message of Merchant of Venice?
The main theme of The Merchant of Venice is
the conflict between self interest and love
. On the surface level, the major difference between Shylock the Jew and the Christian characters of the play is their level of compassion.
How is the conflict resolved in The Merchant of Venice?
The conflict is ultimately resolved in
Antonio’s favour when the villain is undone by his own treachery
. Portia points out that if he takes a single drop of Antonio’s blood he will loose everything; because, this is not part of the bond. Shylock is ”hoist by his own petard”.
How did Shylock express his conflict?
Shylock uses his money to get back at Antonio so he can feed his personal grudge against him
. He views the lending as an opportunity to stick it to Christians for all the troubles and sufferings they have caused the Jews. The money lending is a battle between the two men as well as their religions.
What is the climax of Merchant of Venice?
The climax of the play is
set in the court of the Duke of Venice
. Shylock refuses Bassanio’s offer of 6,000 ducats, twice the amount of the loan. He demands his pound of flesh from Antonio. … Thus, if Shylock were to shed any drop of Antonio’s blood, his “lands and goods” would be forfeited under Venetian laws.
Is Shylock a villain or a victim?
Shylock is a
combination of both victim and villain
in The Merchant of Venice. He is a victim of discrimination and mistreated by Antonio and his daughter, Jessica. Shylock’s greedy, vengeful nature is what makes him a villain, which helps drive the plot of the play.
Why is The Merchant of Venice so popular?
The Merchant of Venice is one of the Shakespear’s most popular romantic comedies. Thus the reason of popularity of Merchant of Venice is easily recognised. It is
a play with rich romantic elements
that raises complex issues of justice mercy and the bonds that join people together.
What does Merchant of Venice teach us?
The Merchant of Venice teaches us that
we need financial means to support our family and live a comfortable lifestyle
. At the same time, financial decisions must not be taken hastily, especially if you want to secure your family`s financial future and grow your wealth.
Why does Shylock hate Antonio?
Shylock hates Antonio
because Antonio has the privilege of being a wealthy Venetian who charges no interest on his loans
, and he also hates Antonio for being a Christian. … Antonio not only loans money interest-free to many, he has also covered the loans of Shylock’s victims without charging them interest to repay him.
Who said if you cut me do I not bleed?
Quote by
William Shakespeare
: “If you prick us, do we not bleed?
Does Antonio forgive Shylock?
Antonio,
remarkably forgiving
, intervenes on the side of mercy, which has been a major theme of the trial scene. He petitions the Duke to allow Shylock the use of half his fortune for his life on two conditions: that he leave it to his son-in-law and daughter on his death and that he convert to Christianity.
What is the conflict between Shylock and Antonio?
The conflict between Antonio and Shylock arises
partly from religion and partly from economic causes
. Antonio wants to borrow money from Shylock, who is employed as a moneylender. While he needs Shylock, Antonio also curses him.
Who Is the Real Merchant of Venice Why?
Answer: Because he was a merchant and he lived in Venice .
He was a kind and generous man who used to lend money as a hobby
. He did not charge any interest on the money due to which it brought down the interest rate in Venice affecting businesses of Shylock and other professional moneylenders.
Who married Bassanio?
A wealthy heiress from Belmont. Portia’s beauty is matched only by her intelligence. Bound by a clause in her father’s will that forces her to marry whichever suitor chooses correctly among three caskets,
Portia
is nonetheless able to marry her true love, Bassanio.
How did Portia defeat Shylock?
Portia disguises herself as a man because only men could act as lawyers. … The disguised Portia manages to defeat Shylock because she is intelligent and can reason well. Since Shylock won’t be bought off, as Bassanio tries to do, she decides to defeat him at his
own game
.
What is Shylock’s real motive?
Shylock is
hoping that the ships will not come in and he will be able to hurt
(and probably kill) Antonio.
