The Merchant Of Venice
33 Installments—Entirely free
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ISBN:019832152X
Description
Race, religion, love, and the law combine in this explosive play filled with lies and deceit. Antonio is the titular merchant of Venice who offers to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia, the woman he loves. Antonio’s ships are at sea, so in order to provide his friend with the money he needs, they approach Shylock the Jewish moneylender. In a perverse twist, the men agree that if Antonio fails to pay the money back in time, Shylock will be entitled to a pound of Antonio’s flesh. With money in hand, the two friends set off to woo Portia. But when Antonio loses his ships at sea, the love story is interrupted by Shylock’s demand that his contract be fulfilled. He insists he receive his grisly payment. In the Venetian courtroom, a tense legal showdown occurs, filled with surprising revelations and cross-dressing antics. And although no blood is spilled, the dark conclusion to The Merchant of Venice makes it one of Shakespeare’s most disturbing and riveting plays.
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Opening Lines (Experimental)
ACT 1.
[Enter ANTONIO, SALARINO, and SALANIO]
ANTONIO.
That I have much ado to know myself.
SALARINO.
As they fly by them with their woven wings.
SALANIO.
Would make me sad.
SALARINO.
What harm a wind too great might do at sea.
That such a thing bechanc'd would make me sad?
Is sad to think upon his ...
Ratings for 'The Merchant Of Venice' by Shakespeare, William
| blondierocket |  | 2008-10-23 | |
| charlottevalle |  | 2008-10-01 |
The Merchant Of Venice
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