The Merchant of Venice (Collins Classics)

(Paperback)

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'The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Bassiano, a noble Venetian, hopes to woo the beautiful heiress Portia. However, he requires financial assistance from his friend Antonio. Antonio agrees, but he, in turn, must borrow from the Jewish moneylender Shylock. As recourse for past ills, Shylock stipulates that the forfeit on the loan must be a pound of Antonios flesh. In the most renowned onstage law scene of all time, Portia proves herself one of Shakespeares most cunning heroines, disguising herself as a lawyer and vanquishing Shylocks claims; meanwhile, Shylock triumphs on a humanitarian level with his plea for tolerance: Hath not a Jew eyes

Viewed paradoxically as anti-Semitic, while at the same time powerfully liberal for its time, The Merchant of Venice is at its core a bittersweet drama, exploring the noble themes of prejudice, justice and honour.

Author Bio

William Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and was an eminent dramatist. His plays are perenially adapted and re-interpreted within different contexts. There is much mystery and a timeless fascination around Shakespeare's as a person and as a writer.