The Merchant Of Venice

act-1 scene -1 The play opens in Venice. Antonio, a successful merchandiser of the city, is melancholy and weary for reasons that he cannot explain to his friends Salarino and Salanio. They think that the sorrowfulness arises from either the worries he has in his shipping business. Antonio is neither upset about his ships, nor is he in love. The three friends are thence joined by Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Gratiano, and greetings are exchanged. Salarino and Salanio depart, leaving the task to Bassanio, Lorenzo and Gratiano of joyous Antonio. Gratiano accuses Antonio of cultivating a pose of sadness to win a fictitious character of great wisdom. Lorenzo scolds Gratiano for talking too much, and the two leave. Antonio asks Bassanio about his plans to appeal a lady. Bassanio owes Antonio a debt in coin and love, plainly he hopes to be in a position to pay all(prenominal) his debts if he can win the rich and beautiful Portia of Belmont in marriage. He, however, requires money to finance his trip to Belmont in order to sample Portias hand. Antonio apologizes that his wealth is invested wholly in his ships, which are past at sea. Since his credit in Venice is good, he promises to borrow the necessary money for his friend. Your browser does not support the IFRAME tag.

Notes The scene opens with Antonio displaying his melancholy, which cannot be connect to business or love. Instead, Antonios vague discontent is a prefigure of the threat that Shylock presents. It is also a contrast to the preponderating mood of Venice, which is portrayed as a glamorous terra fi rma of politeness and gaiety. Antonio is ! a true Renaissance gentleman, characterized by morality and faithfulness. His fatigue demonstrates his concern for his inner life. His spiritual idealism moves away from the pleasures offered by a material valet. He holds The world but as the world, thus showing his belief that the material world is solely a testing ground for a persons soul. His parley with his friends, Salarino and Salanio,...If you ask to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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