"The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare is a drama from the 1500s that asks big questions about kindness, hate, and what people will do for their friends as it investigates themes of love, friendship, bias, and forgiveness. The story follows Antonio, a businessman, and his friend Bassanio, who wants to marry the rich Portia, but needs a loan from Shylock, a Jewish lender who dislikes Antonio and other Christians. The play starts with Antonio feeling down, and his buddies try to figure out why, adding to the suspense because Antonio's money is all tied up in risky sea travels. Meanwhile, Bassanio is trying to win Portia's heart, but her father made a game to find her husband, which makes things even more complicated and sets up tough choices and showdowns ahead. The way the story begins shows how much people are willing to risk and give up for each other, which is a big part of the play.
The Merchant of Venice
By William Shakespeare
When a businessman borrows money from a resentful lender to help his friend win a wealthy bride, their lives are put in peril by a vengeful plot.
Summary
About the AuthorWilliam Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.
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