The Merchant Of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is a play which is at the same time one of Shakespeare's most popular and one of his most controversial comedies. With its confusion of traders, money lending, love that relies on controlling fathers (one from beyond the grave), a riddle of caskets, and rings that bind and are lost, Merchant also reveals the dark side of trading concealing anti-Semitism and a society at odds with itself. Disguise, cross-dressing, beauty, and harsh words and deeds all vie for our attention in this compelling play. Bassanio persuades the merchant, Antonio, to lend him money so that he can follow his heart to wed Portia. Antonio will forfeit a pound of his flesh if he does not repay the moneylender, Shylock. When all his money is lost, can Portia's wit save him from Shylock's vengeance?