The Merchant of Venice, written around 1596–1597, is a comedy by Shakespeare. To help his friend Bassanio woo the heiress Portia, the merchant Antonio borrows money from the moneylender Shylock, pledging a pound of his own flesh, a bond that nearly costs him his life.
The story
Portia's dead father has decreed that she must marry the suitor who chooses the right casket among three, of gold, silver and lead. Bassanio wins her by choosing lead.
When Antonio's ships are reported lost, Shylock demands his pound of flesh. Portia, disguised as a young lawyer, saves Antonio in court by insisting that the bond allows flesh but not a drop of blood.
Shylock
Shylock, the Jewish moneylender insulted and spat on by the Venetians, is one of Shakespeare's most debated characters. His speech asking whether a Jew does not bleed when pricked is a powerful plea for shared humanity.
His forced conversion at the end troubles modern audiences, and the role has been played both as a villain and as a tragic victim.
The quality of mercy
In the trial scene, Portia's speech on mercy, which falls like gentle rain from heaven, is one of the best-known passages in Shakespeare.
The play was printed in 1600; Al Pacino played Shylock in Michael Radford's 2004 film.
Anecdotes
A Venetian ghetto
In 2016, for the five hundredth anniversary of the Venice Ghetto, the play was performed for the first time in the ghetto itself, followed by a mock retrial of Shylock's case.
Portia the lawyer
Portia, who wins the case disguised as the doctor of laws Balthazar, has become a symbol of women in the legal profession.
Frequently asked questions
What is the bond in The Merchant of Venice?
A pound of Antonio's flesh, if he fails to repay Shylock's loan.
How is Antonio saved?
Portia argues that the bond allows flesh but not blood.
Which casket does Bassanio choose?
The lead casket.