the merchant of venice written by william shakespeare

He will not charge Bassanio any interest for three months. However, when Antonio himself arrives and begins insulting Shylock for committing usury (charging interest on his loans), Shylock proposes a bizarre alternative. After much hesitation, Shylock agrees-Antonio will guarantee the loan with his property as collateral. Still, Nerissa reminds Portia of a fine Venetian marriage prospect-Bassanio.īassanio asks the Jewish moneylender, Shylock, to lend him 3000 ducats.

Portia has been disgusted with all of her suitors thus far. Only the man who chooses correctly can become Portia's husband. Meanwhile, at her nearby country estate of Belmont, Portia laments to her serving woman Nerissa about her father's will, which stipulates that any man who wants to marry Portia must answer a riddle by choosing one of three ' caskets,' or chests (one gold, one silver, and one lead). Although Antonio doesn't have cash handy, because all of his ships are at sea, he gives Bassanio permission to borrow as much money as he needs on Antonio's credit. Part of the Bute Collection at the Library.īute, John Stuart, Marquess of, 1744-1814 In Venice, Bassanio, a not-so-wealthy nobleman, asks to borrow money from his dear friend and wealthy merchant Antonio, in order to have the funds to woo Portia, a wealthy noblewoman. There are multiple copies of some plays, and two 'bad quartos', both entitled 'The Whole Contention between the famous houses, Lancaster and Yorke'.

The quartos feature 17 plays in total, and the volumes are in fine condition. To find similar items, select the checkboxes next to the characteristics you are interested in, then select the 'Find similar' button.ģ1 copies of plays by William Shakespeare, printed in quarto format between 16. Portia (Fictitious character : Shakespeare) īassanio (Fictitious character : Shakespeare) Īntonio (Fictitious character : Shakespeare) As it hath beene divers times acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his seruants.

With the extreame crueltie of Shylocke the Iewe towards the sayd merchant, in cutting a iust pound of his flesh: and the obtayning of Portia, by the choyse of three chests. Most excellent historie of the Merchant of Venice Description Context Shakespeare quartos > Most excellent historie of the Merchant of Venice > (1)

The merchant of venice written by william shakespeare