Merchant of Venice. The Merchant of Venice is a 16th-century play written by William Shakespeare in which a merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock.
It is believed to have been written between 1596 and 1599. Although classified as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare's other romantic comedies, the play is most remembered for its dramatic scenes, and it is best known for Shylock and his famous Hath not a Jew eyes? speech on humanity.
Also notable is Portia's speech about the quality of mercy. Critic Harold Bloom listed it among Shakespeare's great comedies.
Antonio-a prominent merchant of Venice in a melancholic mood. Bassanio-Antonio's close friend; suitor to Portia; later the husband of Portia.
Gratiano-friend of Antonio and Bassanio; in love with Nerissa; later the husband of Nerissa. Lorenzo-friend of Antonio and Bassanio; in love with Jessica; later the husband of Jessica. Portia-a rich heiress; later the wife of Bassanio. Nerissa-Portia's waiting maid-in love with Gratiano; later the wife of Gratiano; disguises herself as Portia's clerk. Balthazar-Portia's servant. Stephano-Portia's servant. Shylock-a miserly Jew; moneylender; father of Jessica. Jessica-daughter of Shylock, later the wife of Lorenzo. Tubal-a Jew; friend of Shylock. Launcelot Gobbo-servant of Shylock; later a servant of Bassanio; so
It is believed to have been written between 1596 and 1599. Although classified as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare's other romantic comedies, the play is most remembered for its dramatic scenes, and it is best known for Shylock and his famous Hath not a Jew eyes? speech on humanity.
Also notable is Portia's speech about the quality of mercy. Critic Harold Bloom listed it among Shakespeare's great comedies.
Antonio-a prominent merchant of Venice in a melancholic mood. Bassanio-Antonio's close friend; suitor to Portia; later the husband of Portia.
Gratiano-friend of Antonio and Bassanio; in love with Nerissa; later the husband of Nerissa. Lorenzo-friend of Antonio and Bassanio; in love with Jessica; later the husband of Jessica. Portia-a rich heiress; later the wife of Bassanio. Nerissa-Portia's waiting maid-in love with Gratiano; later the wife of Gratiano; disguises herself as Portia's clerk. Balthazar-Portia's servant. Stephano-Portia's servant. Shylock-a miserly Jew; moneylender; father of Jessica. Jessica-daughter of Shylock, later the wife of Lorenzo. Tubal-a Jew; friend of Shylock. Launcelot Gobbo-servant of Shylock; later a servant of Bassanio; so
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