Full TitleThe Comical History of the Merchant of Venice, or Otherwise Called the Jew of Venice
AuthorWilliam Shakespeare
Type of workPlay
GenreComedy
LanguageEnglish
Time and place written1598; London, England
Date of first publicationFirst published in the Quarto of1600
PublisherI. R. for Thomas Heys
ToneComic, romantic, tragic
Setting (time)Sixteenth century
Setting (place)Venice and Belmont, Italy
ProtagonistThere is no clear protagonist. Antonio is the merchant of the play’s title, but he plays a relatively passive role. The major struggles of the play are Bassanio’s quest to marry Portia and his attempt to free Antonio from Shylock, so Bassanio is the likeliest candidate.
Major conflictAntonio defaults on a loan he borrowed from Shylock, wherein he promises to sacrifice a pound of flesh.
Rising actionAntonio’s ships, the only means by which he can pay off his debt to Shylock, are reported lost at sea.
ClimaxPortia, disguised as a man of law, intervenes on Antonio’s behalf.
Falling actionShylock is ordered to convert to Christianity and bequeath his possessions to Lorenzo and Jessica; Portia and Nerissa persuade their husbands to give up their rings
ThemesSelf-interest versus love; the divine quality of mercy; hatred as a cyclical phenomenon
MotifsThe law; cross-dressing; filial piety
SymbolsThe pound of flesh; Leah’s ring; the three caskets
ForeshadowingIn the play’s opening scene, Shakespeare foreshadows Antonio’s grim future by suggesting both his indebtedness to a creditor and the loss of his valuable ships.
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