Antonio merchant of venice

This summary of act one of the merchant of venice guides you through the plays opening scenes in modern english. Antonio is a venetian merchant who spends most of his time throughout the play glued to bassanio because of a bond. Antonio cant repay the loan, and without mercy, shylock demands a pound of his flesh. Shakespeares presentation of antonio in the merchant of. Antonio s love for bassanio in the merchant of venice antonio feels closer to bassanio than any other character in the merchant of venice. Antonio a venetian merchant is hanging out with his friends salerio and solanio on a street in venice. Apr 21, 2016 published in 1596, the merchant of venice tells the story of shylock, a jew, who lends money to antonio on the condition that he get to cut off a pound of antonios flesh if he defaults on the. I have always just shrugged and put up with it because jews are good at suffering. Not many ordinary people had ever encountered a jew and when playwrights put jewish characters on the stage they presented them as villains. Our first clue to this is in the first scene when, in conversation with antonio, solanio says, here comes bassanio, your most noble kinsman, gratiano, and. Ostensibly the subject of the play, antonio serves rather as a foil to shylock, who is one of shakespeares bestknown and most discussed. Dramatis personae the duke of venice the prince of morocco, suitor to portia the prince of arragon, antonio, a merchant of venice bassanio, his friend, suitor to portia. From the jewish chronicle archiveheritageimages bassanio, a noble but penniless venetian, asks his wealthy merchant friend antonio for a loan so that bassanio can undertake a. Well, tell me now what lady is the same to whom you swore a secret pilgrimage, that you today promised to tell me of.

All speeches lines and cues for antonio in merchant of. Dr aidan, phd in shakespeare studies, has created 7 videos that offer a brief overview of the play, theme analysis. Shakespeares the merchant of venice is a fantastic play and boasts one of shakespeares most memorable villains, the jewish moneylender, shylock. This masterpiece by shakespeare is notable for being both comic and.

Merchant of venice why doesnt antonio think that the duke will forgive the forfeiture. His friends ask him if he is feeling melancholy because all his ships are at sea. He tells bassanio to go and try if he can get any money in the city of venice on his behalf. Portia there are some shrewd contents in yon same paper, that steals the colour from bassanios cheek. Antonio ends the play as happily as he can, restored to wealth even if not delivered into love. He is a character who possess both the characteristics of the protagonist and antagonists. Shakespeares play, the merchant of venice, has given rise to many disputes about whether one of its main characters, antonio, is possibly gay. An influential, powerful and wealthy nobleman of venice, he is a middleaged man and a. When he is first introduced to us in the play, he is in a melancholy mood. Among his many friends is a young man named bassanio, who owes antonio a good deal of money. Shylock is a character in shakespeares the merchant of venice there were not many jews in elizabethan london but those that were there did not have a comfortable time. While talking to portia, bassanio describes antonio as kind, generous to others, and one of the most honorable men in italy. You called me a heathen, a dirty dog, and you spit on my jewish clothes. All speeches lines for antonio in merchant of venice.

The homoerotic undertone of antonio and bassanios relationship is easily discussed by analyzing the dedication and declarations of love by antonio because he does not have a heterosexual romantic relationship to counteract against his love for bassanio. Shylock is the most vivid and memorable character in the merchant of venice, and he is one of shakespeares greatest dramatic creations. Antonio is a wealthy merchant in the city of venice. Some of his friends assume that perhaps it because his livelihood depends on the safe arrival of his merchant ships. Without a mate, he is indeed the tainted wetheror castrated ramof the flock, and he will likely return to his favorite pastime of moping about the streets of venice iv. The merchant of venice plot summary shakespeare learning. The merchant of venice is a tragic comedy by william shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. It seems that antonio is chronically depressed and is not involved in the social atmosphere that is thriving in venice. Introduction to shakespeares antonio from the merchant of venice. Antonio fictional character, the merchant of venice britannica.

Throughout the merchant of venice, the themes of mercy and justice are continuously contradicting when it comes to shylocks situation with antonio, in the court scene. Antonios character analysis in the merchant of venice. Antonio s generosity is boundless, and for bassanio, he is willing to go to the full length of friendship, even if it means that he himself may suffer for it. Instead of trying to cheer him up, his friends solanio and salerio volunteer reasons why he might be depressed. Antonio speaks with solanio about the contract he made with shylock. Essay on antonio in the merchant of venice 1091 words. Introduction william shakespeares satirical comedy, the merchant of venice, believed to have been written in 1596 was an examination of hatred and greed.

The merchant of venice, characters in the play the. Although antonio doesnt 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. Antonio is the title character in shakespeares the merchant of venice. Antonio never names the cause of his melancholy, but the evidence seems to point to his being in love, despite his denial of this idea in act i, scene i.

In the merchant of venice, is antonios ship really wrecked. The merchant of venicefrank finlay right is shylock in a 1972 production of the merchant of venice. The merchant of venice is a 16thcentury play written by william shakespeare in which a merchant in venice named antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a jewish moneylender, shylock. In the play, shylock has a deep desire for his bond to be satisfied and justice to prevail. Viewing the persons severally, it seems that the piece ought by all means to be called the jew of venice. The merchant of venice revival, play, comedy, broadway opened in new york city dec 19, 1989 and played through mar 10, 1990.

Shakespeares original the merchant of venice text is extremely long, so weve split the text into one scene per page. The merchant of venice broadway play 1989 revival ibdb. All speeches lines for antonio in merchant of venice open. Find the perfect antonio merchant of venice stock photo. Antonio, a leading merchant of venice, is a wealthy, respected, and popular man. But upon looking further into the principles of dramatic combination, we may easily discover cause why it should rather be named as it is.

Bassanio confirms his request of 3,000 ducats for three months, asserting that antonio will guarantee this. Sep 20, 2019 the character of antonio in merchant of venice. Antonio is a merchant of venice who has invested deeply in overseas ventures, to the extent that he no longer has any ready money left. This could show hypocrisy and the strength of his feelings for bassanio. William shakespeare the merchant of venice act 1 scene 1. Antonio is a sad bunny, though he claims he doesnt know why. Antonios generosity is boundless, and for bassanio, he is willing to go to the full length of friendship, even if it means that he himself may suffer for it. Mar 05, 2020 director igor golyaks approach to the actors shakespeare projects the merchant of venice is decidedly different. Antonio is a venetian merchant and the titular character in william shakespeares the merchant of venice first published in 1600, but known to have been. Although central to the play, antonio is portrayed by shakespeare as an outcast. Antonio, an antisemitic merchant, takes a loan from the jew shylock to help his friend to court portia. Speeches lines for antonio in merchant of venice total. The merchant of venice, characters in the play the folger.

Antonio is a merchant of venice who has invested deeply in overseas ventures, to the extent that he no longer has any ready money left however, he is highly respected in the merchants quarter, and his credit is strong with them, especially since he has dispersed his investments widely enough that it is unlikely they will all fail. Many critics argue that antonio harbors an unrequited erotic desire for bassanio. Character sketch of antonio in merchant of venice a plus. In venice, bassanio, a notsowealthy 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. An influential, powerful and wealthy nobleman of venice, he is a middleaged man and a merchant by trade who has his financial interests tied up in overseas shipments when the play begins. A merchant of venice willing to confront antisemitism. His love for his friend bassanio prompts him to sign a contract of one pound of his flesh. What stuff tis made of, whereof it is born, i am to learn. On stage, it is shylock who makes the play, and almost all of the great actors of the english and continental stage have attempted the role. Signor antonio, youve often insulted my money and my business practices in the rialto.

When he realizes that shylock is within his lawful rights, antonio is ready to fulfill the bargain he entered into to help bassanio. Character sketch of antonio in merchant of venice write a character sketch of antonio. Bassanios sexuality can be examined and scrutinized despite his seemingly heteronormative actions and intentions. Character sketch of antonio in merchant of venice a plus topper. Shylock insists that he hates antonio because hes a christian and because he undermines his moneylending business and talks smack about him at the rialto the merchant s exchange in venice. Why does antonio hate shylock in the merchant of venice. Nov 18, 2018 character sketch of antonio the merchant of venice hello guys. We dont know whether shakespeare ever travelled there or not but he also used it as one of the settings in his play othello. The merchant of venice opens with antonios speech about his own sadness, with the explanation of it escaping him. Get an answer for in the merchant of venice, is antonios ship really wrecked.

Summary of the merchant of venice shakespeare birthplace. Merchant of venice workbook answers act 1, scene 1 a plus. Antonio antonio, a venetian merchant, the title character of shakespeares the merchant of venice. Why doesnt antonio think that the duke will forgive the. The play starts with the bassanio, a young, nobleman, who wishes to marry a wealthy and beautiful lady portia, the heiress of belmont. Such a concern demonstrates antonios fair and honest character. Contract, friendship, and love in the merchant of venice. Signior antonio, many a time and oftspoken by shylock, act 1 scene 3 the quality of mercy is not straindspoken by portia, act 4 scene 1 to bait fish withal. While solanio pleads that the duke prohibit this contract to be enforced, as the end result would cause antonio harm, antonio insists that they must follow the law for the sake of venice. I am jewish, and living in a world where antisemitism is on the. To help his friend bassanio woo portia, antonio signs a contract with shylock, guaranteeing a loan with one pound of his own flesh as collateral. A prosperous venetian merchant, liked and admired by his fellow citizens.

We also learn that antonio hates shylocks sacred nation, and well soon learn just how much of an antisemite antonio. The most likely object of his affection is bassanio, who takes full advantage of the merchants boundless feelings for him. Ostensibly the subject of the play, antonio serves rather as a foil to shylock, who is one of shakespeares bestknown and most discussed characters. The heiress portia, now the wife of antonio s friend, dresses as a lawyer and saves antonio. Character sketch of antonio the merchant of venice youtube. Racism in the merchant of venice in shakespeares the merchant of venice he does not just include racism, but he also includes prejudice towards religious beliefs. The cast includes gemma jones as portia, warren mitchell as shylock and john nettles as bassanio. Antonio is seen to dislike shylock for he is a jew. Jun 11, 2018 when antonio finds that he has neither ready money nor he has commodity to sell for cash, he suggests that a loan may be raised on interest. Antonio, a venetian merchant, the title character of shakespeares the merchant of venice. This video is very use for up board class12ths students. Shakespeares presentation of antonio in the merchant of venice shakespeares portrayal of antonio in the merchant of venice is decidedly open to interpretation, as his melancholic nature is revealed at the start of the play and foreshadows his later bad luck, but a specific reasoning behind it is never given.

The premise deals with the antagonistic relationship between shylock, a jewish moneylender and antonio, the christian merchant, who is as generous as shylock is greedy, particularly. After all, antonio is famous merchant of venice and there should be people willing to give loan on his security. Antonio, the merchant in the merchant of venice, secures a loan from shylock for his friend bassanio, who seeks to court portia. Salerio i would you had won the fleece that he hath lost. Aug 19, 2018 character sketch of antonio in merchant of venice icse class 10, 9 english antonio antonio temperamental melancholy antonio is a wealthy merchant in the city of venice. When portia hears that antonio is in trouble she first tells bassanio and his friends to go to the court and then later goes with nerissa and they both dress up as lawyers and even write a fake letter saying that the real lawyer cant come today because he is sick. It seems that antonio is chronically depressed and is not involved in the social atmosphere that is. The merchant of venice 2004 cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Antonio the merchant of venice public domain super heroes. During shakespeares time, antijudaism was a pervasive.

Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Bassanio gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothing, more than any man in all venice. Antonio is an extremely loyal friend to bassanio and an honorable businessman who does not place unfair fees. Bassanio wants to marry portia, a wealthy heiress, but he doesnt have enough money. Although the plot turns on antonios predicament, his character is not sharply drawn. They were outcasts and suffered extreme discrimination. Merchant of venice monologue analysisspoken by shylock, act 3 scene 1 more merchant of venice monologues coming soon. Ostensibly the subject of the play, antonio serves. Get an answer for in the merchant of venice, is antonio s ship really wrecked. And later, he adds that he is armd to suffer, with a quietness of spirit.

Shylock, a jewish moneylender, recalls past insults from antonio and, instead of asking interest on the loan, asks insteadin what he calls a merry sportthat if the loan is not repaid, antonio will owe a pound of his own flesh. Bassanio just learned that the loss of antonios ships at sea means antonio has no way of paying back his loan to shylock. In william shakespeares the merchant of venice, antonio is the venetian merchant for whom the play is titled. Dr aidan, phd in shakespeare studies, has created 7 videos that offer a brief overview of the play, theme analysis, key character analysis, and key scene analysis. Shakespeares merchant of venice is a masterpiece, a drama that proves the authors prowess and art. Antonio, the merchant in the merchant of venice, secures a loan from shylock for his friend bassanio, who seeks to court act 1, scene 1 antonio, a venetian merchant, has invested all his wealth in trading expeditions. The central characters in the drama are two friends antonio and bassanio pitted against a jewish and cunning villain shylock. The duke cannot deny the course of the law, he says. Antonio fictional character, the merchant of venice. Antonio, the merchant in the merchant of venice, secures a loan from shylock for his friend bassanio, who seeks to court act 1, scene 1 antonio, a venetian merchant, has invested all his wealth in. The character of antonio in the merchant of venice from. All acts and scenes are listed on the the merchant of venice text page, or linked to from the bottom of this page. In act 1, scene 1 of the merchant of venice, antonio wonders why hes so depressed. Antonio the merchant of venice from the works of william shakespeare.

Bassanio would like to repay his friend, but so far he has been unable to do so. He approaches a friend antonio, a rich merchant of venice. And all because i use my own money to make a profit. Act 1, scene 3 of william shakespeares the merchant of venice opens with bassanio and shylock, a jewish moneylender. The merchant of venice character analysis a plus topper. His reasons are as two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff. He emerges in act i, scene i as a hopeless depressive, someone who cannot name the source of his melancholy and who, throughout the course of the play. In this video i have told you the character sketch of antonio from the. The merchant of venice, comedy in five acts by william shakespeare, written about 159697 and printed in a quarto edition in 1600 from an authorial manuscript or copy of one. Bassanio needs a loan of 3000 ducats to sponsor his marriage. Dr aidan, phd in shakespeare studies, has created 7 videos that offer a brief overview of the play, theme. In william shakespeares bromance, the merchant of venice, antonio, the main character, is best friends with bassanio. Antonio claims that shylock resents him for lending money interestfree, so damaging shylocks business.

Antonio is a rich venetian merchant, bassanios bff, shylocks archenemy, and the guy who puts up a pound of flesh as collateral so bassanio can borrow. The merchant of venice frank finlay right is shylock in a 1972 production of the merchant of venice. This page contains the original text of act 4, scene 1 of the merchant of venice. The play begins with a probe into antonios melancholy. In the merchant of venice, is antonios ship really.