GROUP FIVE ASSIGNMENT

NAMES MATRIC NUMBER

GBENGA- ADEJORIN PRECIOUS RUN/ENG/19/8093
OYEBAMIJI DARASIMI RUN/ENG/19/

COURSE CODE: ENG 457

COURSE TITLE: STUDIES IN SHAKESPEARE

QUESTION: DISCUSS SHAKESPEARE’S MERCHANT OF VENICE BY

EXAMINING THE PLOT SUMMARY, SETTING,
CHARACTERIZATION, THEMES, AND OTHER TECHNIQUES

LECTURER: MRS. BUKOLA

INTRODUCTION
Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s numerous plays written in the sixteenth century
between 1596 and 1598. Williams Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice   is considered a comedy as
the conflict is resolved without any real harm coming to the main characters. This paper
therefore compiles details of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice play, by examining the plot
summary, the setting, characterization, the themes, and literary devices employed in the play.

PLOT SUMMARY OF MERCHANT OF VENICE

Antonio, a leading merchant of Venice, is a wealthy, respected, and popular man. One of his
many friends, a young man by the name of Bassanio, owes Antonio a sizable sum of money.
Bassanio wishes he could pay his friend back, but up until now, he has not been able to. He now
believes he may have a solution, but he will once more require a loan from Antonio. Bassanio
informs Antonio that a gorgeous, young, and wealthy heiress resides in Belmont. Although
Bassanio is confident that he can win her hand in marriage, he cannot approach her in a "hands-
hanging" manner. He needs to appear at least as wealthy as her other wealthy suitors if he wants
to create a good impression. Antonio explains to his young friend that while he would be happy
to lend him any amount of money, but he is currently short on cash since he has invested all his
money in his merchant ships, which are still at sea. However, Antonio will not disappoint
Bassanio. He lets Bassanio use Antonio's good name as collateral for the loan because he knows
of a moneylender who will probably lend him the required sum.

At Belmont, Portia confides in her friend Nerissa and expresses her frustration with the never-
ending stream of suitors and desire to be released from the absurd conditions of her father's will:
Portia cannot choose her husband; she can only wed the man who selects the right one of three
caskets one made of gold, one of silver, and one of lead one of which contains her portrait and is,
therefore, the lucky casket. Since Portia has no interest in any of her suitors, none of them has
taken the risk of picking one of the caskets up to this point. Portia's attitude, however, brightens
when Nerissa brings up the name of a potential suitor, Bassanio. At one time, he paid a visit to
Belmont, and Portia was impressed with him. Shylock, a wealthy Jewish moneylender in Venice
who secretly despises Antonio, has agreed to lend Bassanio three thousand ducats for three
months in exchange for Antonio's bond. Instead of charging his customary high-interest rate,
Shylock asks that if the due date for payment passes without being paid, he may remove one
pound of flesh from Antonio's body. Antonio consents because he has a whole month before the
bond is due to return all of his ships to Venice.

When Lorenzo, a close friend of Antonio and Bassanio, falls in love with Jessica, Shylock's
daughter, a romantic subplot emerges. By passing her off as a male, he is able to flee with her,
and she is able to carry along a sizeable sum of her father's ducats. Naturally, Shylock is enraged
by this and swears vengeance. Bassanio and Gratiano depart shortly after for Belmont, where the
"beautiful Portia" has just escorted the Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Aragon, two other
disgruntled suitors, away. Portia falls head over heels in love with Bassanio the moment he asks
to select one of the caskets, and she begs him to hold off for a few days.

After a few weeks have passed, the word that Antonio's ships have perished at sea is received.
Even though Shylock has not been able to find Jessica, he consoles himself by thinking that he
will get the pound of flesh he was guaranteed by his bargain with Antonio.

After spending so much time together, Portia and Bassanio had fallen in love back at Belmont.
since she cannot face the idea of losing Bassanio if he makes a bad guess, Portia urges him to
wait before trying to solve the puzzle. But he is adamant about continuing. To their delight, he
selects the appropriate casket (lead). Portia gives him a ring to symbolize their engagement and
instructs him to keep it safe at all times. Then Gratiano, a vulgar friend of Nerissa and Bassanio,
declares that they too will get married. However, just then, Antonio sends a letter with
information to Bassanio about his missing ships and Shylock's plan to get his pound of flesh.
Portia, who is alarmed, offers Bassanio enough cash to pay back the loan several times over.
When he leaves, Portia develops a strategy of her own to save Antonio as Bassanio rushes off to
Venice.

The Duke is presiding over Antonio's trial in the court of Venice. Despite Bassanio having
promised him nine thousand ducats as compensation, Shylock refuses their pleas for him to show
pity and persists in getting his "pound of flesh." Portia and Nerissa show up on the scene dressed
as a lawyer and a law clerk, respectively. Portia emphasizes that the contract Shylock is bound
by forbids him from drawing blood from Antonio and that the state will seize all of Shylock's
wealth if he draws even a single drop of blood while slicing Antonio's flesh. She also declares
Shylock guilty of planning to murder a Venetian citizen, thus he must give Antonio half of his
riches and the remaining to the state.

But Antonio and the Duke decide to be kind: Shylock must only give Antonio half of his money
and swear to leave the other half to Jessica and Lorenzo after his passing. In addition, Shylock
must convert to Christianity. Shylock, devastated, consents.

Bassanio tries to give Portia money as she is leaving in appreciation for her favorable ruling, but
he is still under the impression that she is Balthazar, the lawyer. She declines and requests the
ring he is wearing in its place. Bassanio ponders his promise to never part with it. But Antonio
persists, and eventually he caves. Additionally, Gratiano gives Nerissa his ring.

Lorenzo and Jessica had been spending a lovely evening together at Belmont. Bassanio,
Gratiano, and Antonio show up shortly before daybreak, then Portia and Nerissa. The wives act
furious that their husbands misplaced their wedding bands. They quickly put the game to an end
and admit their involvement in the courtroom scene. The couples get back together as word
spreads that Antonio's missing ships had arrived back in port safely and with immense wealth.

SETTING

The setting of "The Merchant of Venice" plays a significant role in shaping the play's themes
and atmosphere. The play is set in Venice and Belmont, two distinct and contrasting
environments that highlight the play's central themes of justice, mercy, and the role of money
in society.

Venice, where much of the play takes place, is depicted as a bustling commercial center that is
characterized by its mercantile and legal activities. Venice is a place where money is central to
life and is associated with the character of Shylock, the greedy Jewish moneylender. The setting
in Venice highlights the play's themes of commerce, business, and money, as well as the
tension between Christians and Jews in the city.

Belmont, in contrast, is depicted as a idyllic, pastoral paradise that is associated with Portia and
her wealth. Belmont represents a world of privilege, beauty, and grace, and serves as a stark
contrast to the more mundane and commercial setting of Venice. The setting in Belmont
highlights the play's themes of love, courtship, and the ideal of true justice.

In addition to shaping the play's themes and atmosphere, the setting also plays a role in the
play's plot. The different environments of Venice and Belmont provide the backdrop for the
legal proceedings between Antonio and Shylock, as well as the romantic courtship of Portia.
The setting also serves to emphasize the play's themes of justice and mercy, as Portia's search
for a "just" solution to Antonio's legal dilemma is set against the backdrop of the contrasting
environments of Venice and Belmont.

The setting of "The Merchant of Venice" is a crucial aspect of the play that serves to reinforce
its central themes and contribute to its overall atmosphere and impact.

CHARACTERIZATION

Antonio: Antonio is the central figure of the play and is depicted as a wealthy merchant who is
melancholic and ill-tempered. Despite his wealth and status, Antonio is portrayed as a deeply
unhappy man who is not fulfilled by his material success. This melancholic demeanor is a source
of concern for his friends, particularly Bassanio, who seeks to lift Antonio's spirits by seeking
Portia's hand in marriage. Antonio agrees to help Bassanio by borrowing money from Shylock
on his behalf, setting the stage for the central conflict of the play. Antonio's vulnerability and his
willingness to put himself at risk for the sake of his friends is a testament to his integrity and his
deep sense of compassion. Despite his initial aversion to Shylock, Antonio's compassion
ultimately leads him to forgive the moneylender and to plead for mercy on his behalf.

Bassanio: Bassanio is Antonio's friend and suitor to Portia. He is depicted as a charming and
good-natured man, but also as a spendthrift who is not above using his friend's wealth for his
own purposes. Bassanio's relationship with Antonio is a central aspect of the play, as the two
friends are portrayed as having a deep bond of loyalty and trust. Bassanio's pursuit of Portia is
motivated by his desire to be loved and to escape his financial troubles, but it also highlights his
character flaws and his tendency to be selfish and manipulative. Despite his faults, Bassanio is
ultimately depicted as a sympathetic character who is willing to make amends for his actions and
to stand by Antonio in his hour of need.

Portia: Portia is a wealthy heiress from Belmont who is sought after by many suitors, including
Bassanio. She is depicted as a highly intelligent, witty, and strong-willed character who is not
easily swayed by flattery or material wealth. Portia's central role in the play is as a mediator of
justice and as a voice of reason and compassion. She is depicted as a wise and compassionate
character who is willing to put herself at risk to save Antonio's life, and her actions serve as a
critique of the rigid and unjust laws of Venice. Portia's intelligence, wit, and compassion are
integral to the play's resolution, as she uses her wit and legal knowledge to save Antonio's life
and to bring Shylock to justice.

Shylock: Shylock is a Jewish moneylender who is depicted as greedy and vengeful. He is

motivated by his hatred of Christians and his desire to exact revenge on Antonio, who he
perceives as a personal enemy. Shylock's motivations and actions serve as a critique of anti-
Semitism and the discriminatory attitudes towards Jews in Renaissance Venice. Despite his
initial portrayal as a villain, Shylock's character is shown to be more complex and multi-
dimensional as the play progresses. He is depicted as a grieving father who has lost his daughter
and as a man who is driven to desperation by the discrimination he faces from Christians.
Shylock's humanity and his deep sense of pride and dignity are integral to the play's exploration
of the themes of justice and mercy.

Jessica: Jessica is Shylock's daughter, who converts to Christianity and elopes with Lorenzo.
She is portrayed as a manipulative and selfish character who is willing to betray her father for the
sake of her own happiness. Jessica's actions serve as a critique of the rigid and oppressive nature
of Jewish society, as well as the consequences of discrimination and prejudice. Despite her initial
portrayal as a villain, Jessica's character is alsoshown to be more complex and multi-dimensional
as the play progresses, and her actions are ultimately driven by a desire to escape her oppressive
father and to find happiness and freedom. Her choice to convert to Christianity and to marry
Lorenzo is depicted as a rejection of her father's values and as a step towards a more liberated
and fulfilling life.

Lorenzo: Lorenzo is a friend of Bassanio and is depicted as a lover of poetry and music. He is
also depicted as a seducer who is willing to use his charm and wit to manipulate others,
particularly Jessica. Despite his initial portrayal as a villain, Lorenzo's character is also shown to
be more complex and multi-dimensional as the play progresses, and his actions are ultimately
driven by a desire for love and happiness. Lorenzo's love for Jessica and his desire to protect her
from her oppressive father serve as a testament to his compassion and his deep sense of
humanity.

Gratiano: Gratiano is a friend of Bassanio and Antonio, and is depicted as a loud, brash, and
impulsive character. He serves as a comic relief in the play, and his actions often serve to
heighten the tension and to underscore the seriousness of the central conflict. Despite his flaws,
Gratiano is depicted as a loyal friend who is willing to stand by Antonio in his hour of need and
to support him in his quest for justice.

The Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon: The Prince of Morocco and the Prince of
Arragon are two of Portia's suitors who are depicted as vain and arrogant. Their pursuit of Portia
serves to highlight the superficiality and materialism of their characters, and their failure to
choose the correct casket serves as a critique of their lack of wisdom and insight. Despite their
initial portrayal as villains, both characters are shown to be more complex and multi-dimensional
as the play progresses, and their actions serve to underscore the themes of justice and mercy.

Overall, the characters in "The Merchant of Venice" are complex and multi-dimensional,

and their actions serve to explore the themes of justice, mercy, love, and oppression.
Shakespeare's characterization of the characters serves to challenge conventional assumptions
and to provide a nuanced exploration of the human condition.

THEMES IN THE PLAY

Revenge

In the drama, revenge is a potent, corrupting, and destructive force. Shylock wants to harm
Antonio because he wants to exact revenge on the entire Christian community, whom he accuses
of stealing his daughter and the money she stole when she went away, as well as harassing and
demeaning him. When asked why he feels justified in seeking retribution, Shylock replies, "If
you prick us, do not we bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?
And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” (III 54-56). The phrases suggest that Shylock
believes Christians have harmed him and that he is right to seek retribution in response to their
treatment of him as a lesser human being. He sees this retaliation as a normal human reaction.
Shylock does not want to modify the terms of Antonio's bond in the slightest because he wants
revenge. Ironically, it is his concentration on the precise wording of the law that ultimately
brings him to justice when Portia discovers a legal loophole and uses the same legislation to
convict him. Due to his thirst for vengeance, Shylock acts irrationally and emotionally, which
causes him to lose everything.

Friendship

The play depicts a number of close friendships, including that between Portia and Nerissa,
Bassanio and Antonio, and Gratiano and Bassanio. In many ways, these friendships are prized
above romantic relationships and have considerable influence over the choices made by the
individual characters. For instance, despite frequently helping out his friend financially, Antonio
willingly owes Shylock money on Bassanio's behalf. In their respective plans to liberate Antonio
from Shylock's demands, Portia and Nerissa collaborate, and Gratiano stays true to Bassanio
throughout the play. The play makes the argument that these connections are more valuable than
the allure of wealth or fame a viewpoint that Shylock, the play's "villain," repeatedly exhibits
signs of rejecting.

Financial Instability

The play's main conflict centers on money, and some of the characters are shown as affluent or
financially successful (Antonio, Portia, and Shylock, most notably). However, as the play's
events develop, wealth gradually starts to take on an abstract quality and is ultimately portrayed
as being very erratic and unpredictable. For instance, Antonio starts the play as a prosperous
trader but finishes it unable to pay back the loan he took from Shylock. In addition, almost every
wealthy character in the drama struggles with feelings of despair or unfulfillment. As a result, the
play adopts a critical attitude regarding money and the chase of fortune above all else, implying
that relationships like friendship are more dependable and durable.

Prejudice
As a symbol of all the wrongs committed against him and his people by Christians, Shylock
seeks retribution on Antonio. Shylock's thirst for vengeance also displays his anger towards
Christians, but this anger is a reaction to the prejudice he has experienced as a Jew. Many of the
wrongs Shylock has endured are directly attributable to Antonio, who spit on him and called him
a dog. Additionally, Antonio's friend Lorenzo lures Shylock's only child from her home and
marries her, converting her to Christianity in the process. Shylock lives in the congested ghetto
of Venice and is only permitted to work in the moneylending industry because all other trades
are off-limits to him. He is also not permitted to own property or pick his own location. His rage
towards Christians, Antonio in particular, is fueled by these prejudices, which forces the
Christians to retaliate by acting once more out of ignorance and depriving him of his money and
compelling him to become a Christian.

Greed and Generosity

Antonio's main complaint about Shylock is that he is greedy because he charges interest to
anyone who borrow money from him when they are in need. The Venetians indicate at a contrast
between their own generosity and Shylock's greed. For instance, Antonio is ready to put his
"purse and person" at Bassanio's disposal and frequently pays off other Christians' debts to
prevent them from having to pay interest to Shylock.

Self-interest and Love

The fundamental distinction between the Christian characters and Shylock seems to be that the
Christian characters prioritize interpersonal connections over business ones, whereas Shylock is
purely motivated by financial gain. Shylock agonizes over the loss of his money when he rushes
through the streets crying, "O, my ducats! O my daughter (II VIII 15)" With these statements, he
appears to appreciate his money at least as much as he values his daughter, indicating that his
need for money comes before his devotion to her. However, merchants like Antonio lend money
without charging interest and put themselves in danger for those they love. There is a breakdown
of the differences between the two religions.

Shylock appears to be more upset by the fact that his daughter sold a ring that his late wife gave
him before they were married than he is by the loss of the jewelry's financial value when we first
encounter him in Act III, scene I. Shylock does value some human connections more than others.
He also demonstrates that his resentment is much stronger than his greed by insisting on getting a
pound of flesh rather than any amount of money.

Just as Shylock’s character seems hard to pin down, the Christian characters also present an
inconsistent picture. Bassanio initially asks Portia for her hand because he is horribly in debt and
needs her money, even though they eventually fall in love. Even though Antonio says that he
lends Bassanio the money just out of love, Bassanio encourages Antonio to consider it as an
investment. In other words, Bassanio wants to see their relationship as more of a business than a
romantic one. Finally, Shylock persuasively argues that although Christians like Antonio despise
Jews just because they are Jews, Jews themselves are human beings. As a result, despite the fact
that the Christian characters may speak more frequently about mercy, love, and charity, they are
not always consistent in how they actually act.

LITERARY DEVICES

Symbolism

The pound of flesh that Shylock demands can be interpreted in a variety of ways, but it most
often serves as a metaphor for two of the play's most intimate relationships while simultaneously
drawing attention to Shylock's rigid commitment to the law. It is essential that Bassanio's debt
must be paid with Antonio's flesh because it demonstrates how their relationship is so stiflingly
bonded that it has almost united them. Jessica's departure only makes Shylock more determined,
as if he were trying to collect money from his foe to make up for the death of his own flesh and
blood. Last but not least, the pound of flesh serves as a continual reminder of the rigidity of
Shylock's universe, where even the most dire circumstances are assessed by numerical formulas.
In his numerical mind, he asks Antonio for a pound in exchange for his three thousand ducats.
Shylocks assesses everything with practical and numerical proportions, unlike the other
characters who gauge their feelings with flowery metaphors and words.

Leah’s ring is also symbolic in the play. Leah, who is probably Shylock's wife and Jessica's
mother, gave Shylock a ring which is important to him. When told that Jessica has stolen it and
traded it for a monkey, Shylock very poignantly laments its loss: “I would not have given it for a
wilderness of monkeys” (III.i.101–102). Shylock's unusually exposed vulnerability and his
portrayal as a human being capable of emotions other than rage are made possible by the lost
ring.

STYLE OF WRITING

The style of writing used in "The Merchant of Venice" is characteristic of William Shakespeare's
works, incorporating a range of literary techniques and devices to create a complex and multi-
layered text.

One of the key features of Shakespeare's writing style is his use of language. He employs a rich
and varied vocabulary, making use of both formal and informal registers, and employs puns,
word play, and poetic devices such as rhyming couplets, meter, and alliteration to enhance the
impact of his dialogue. Additionally, he uses soliloquies, monologues, and asides to provide
insight into the characters' inner thoughts and motivations.

Another feature of Shakespeare's writing style is his use of dramatic irony. This device involves
creating a situation in which the audience knows more than the characters on stage, adding
depth and tension to the scene. In "The Merchant of Venice," Shakespeare employs dramatic
irony in several key moments, such as when Portia disguises herself as a lawyer to save
Antonio, and the audience is aware of her true identity while the characters on stage are not.

Shakespeare also uses symbolism and imagery throughout the play to enhance the themes and
emotions. For example, the caskets in the play symbolize the choices available to the characters
and the consequences of those choices, and the imagery of the ring given by Bassanio to Portia
highlights the nature of their relationship and the theme of love.Finally, Shakespeare employs a
range of dramatic devices, such as disguise and mistaken identity, to add humor, tension, and
suspense to the play. These devices also contribute to the play's exploration of the themes of
justice, mercy, and the nature of love.

Shakespeare's writing style in "The Merchant of Venice" is characterized by its rich language,
use of irony, symbolism, and imagery, and its employment of a range of dramatic devices.
These elements combine to create a complex and multi-layered text that continues to engage
and challenge audiences today.
LANGUAGE USE

The language use in "The Merchant of Venice" is a defining feature of the play and one of the
reasons why it remains popular and widely studied today. Shakespeare's writing is known for its
rich, complex, and often poetic language, and "The Merchant of Venice" is no exception.

One of the key features of the language use in the play is its versatility and adaptability to
different characters and situations. Shakespeare employs a range of registers, from high-flown,
elevated language to more colloquial and informal speech, to reflect the social status,
education, and personalities of the characters. For example, characters like Portia and Nerissa
use a more elevated, courtly style of speech, while characters like the servants and Launcelot
Gobbo use a more colloquial and down-to-earth style.

Another defining feature of the language use in "The Merchant of Venice" is its humor and wit.
Shakespeare employs puns, wordplay, and comic devices to create laughter and lighten the
mood in certain scenes, particularly in the witty banter between Portia and Nerissa or in the
scenes involving the clown Launcelot Gobbo.

Shakespeare also employs a range of poetic devices, such as rhyming couplets, alliteration, and
metaphor, to add musicality, beauty, and emphasis to his language. This use of poetic language
highlights the play's themes of love, justice, and the nature of human relationships, and
reinforces the play's overarching atmosphere of romanticism and idealism.

Finally, the play's characters use soliloquies, monologues, and asides to express their inner
thoughts and motivations. These moments provide the audience with a unique insight into the
characters' psyches, allowing them to understand their motivations and feelings in a deeper
and more nuanced way.

In conclusion, "The Merchant of Venice" is a complex play that highlights the themes of greed,
generosity, self interest, prejudice,revenge, friendship through its intricate plot, vivid setting,
and dynamic characterizations. The play's setting, Venice and Belmont, provide contrasting
backdrop to the central conflicts. The characters, including Shylock and Antonio, are multi-
dimensional and their interactions reveal the societal prejudices and discrimination of the time.
Through the use of symbolism, Shakespeare effectively communicates the play's central themes
and underscores its timeless relevance. The language use in the play is a showcase of
Shakespeare's mastery, with memorable quotes and vivid imagery that add depth to the
narrative. Overall, "The Merchant of Venice" is a thought-provoking play that continues to
captivate audiences and spark discussion on its enduring themes.

Works Cited

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venice/literary-devices [Accessed 8 Feb. 2023].

Sparknotes.com. (2019a). SparkNotes: The Merchant of Venice: Plot Overview. [online]

Available at: https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/merchant/summary/.

www.rsc.org.uk. (n.d.). The setting of The Merchant of Venice | Shakespeare Learning Zone
Royal Shakespeare Company. [online] Available at: https://www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeare-
learning-zone/the-merchant-of-venice/staging/setting [Accessed 8 Feb. 2023].

LitCharts. (n.d.). LitCharts. [online] Available at: https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-merchant-of-

venice/themes.