Publisher's Synopsis
The Merchant of Venice written by William Shakespeare is a drama based in Venice. The story begins with Bassanio's longing to wed Portia, one of the most beautiful and rich women of Belmont. In order to marry her, he needs 3000 ducats. He looks for Antonio's assistance who is a merchant of Venice and furthermore his best friend. Antonio tells him that he is devoid of the desired money as his ships have not arrived yet. Notwithstanding his circumstances, he guarantees Bassanio that he can become a guarantee for him to borrow money. Having been guaranteed by Antonio's assurance, Bassanio takes credit from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. He names Antonio as the underwriter for the credit. Shylock is now annoyed with Antonio as Antonio rents money without interest. Furthermore, is biased towards Jews. Yet, he consents to give an advance to Bassanio without interest but puts a condition that, if Antonio can't pay the credit on the predetermined due date, he will take a pound of Antonio's flesh. Antonio signs the agreement on seeing that the advance conveys no interest, despite the fact that Bassanio isn't supportive of such an agreement. In any case, Bassanio alongside Gratiano, his companion leaves for Belmont to wed Portia. The author depicts Gratiano as a youthful, over-garrulous, uncouth, and silly man. In Belmont, Portia is meeting numerous wooers. Be that as it may, she can't get the right match. According to her father's will, whoever gets the right casket will get married to Portia. The suitors get three caskets, gold, silver, and bronze to look over. The Prince of Morocco, the primary suitor chooses a gold casket while the Prince of Aragon, the next suitor, chooses the silver casket. However, the two of them are dismissed as their choices are wrong. When it was Bassanio's turn to choose the casket, Nerissa, Portia's maid hints at Bassanio by singing a song as Portia had met him previously and wanted him to win. Bassanio chooses the bronze casket and gets married to Portia. Bassanio weds Portia and Gratiano weds Nerissa. In the meantime, Shylock's daughter, Jessica fled with Lorenzo, a Christian, and she converted into a Christian as well. Jessica took with her money and jewellery along with the turquoise ring which was a gift to her mother from her father. Due to this, Shylock turned out to be firm about avenging the Christians. Antonio's boats were adrift somewhere in the middle of the ocean and subsequently, he couldn't return the borrowed money to Shylock. Henceforth, Shylock hauled him to the court. On getting this news, Bassanio and Gratiano leave for Venice taking the money that needs to be returned from Portia. In the court, Bassanio offers double the sum to Shylock. However, he denies the proposition and demands that he wants a pound of flesh from Antonio. The Duke alludes to the case to Balthazar, a youthful attorney. However, as a matter of fact, that was Portia in disguise. Nerissa additionally camouflages as a man and goes with Portia as an assistant. Portia demands Shylock to be benevolent and forgiving. ...
