The Merchant of Venice is a play by William Shakespeare dealing with themes of anti-Semitism, justice and love. The protagonist is a merchant named Antonio, who borrows money from a Jewish moneylender named Shylock. To secure the loan, Anthony agrees to give Shylock a pound of his flesh as collateral if he is unable to repay the loan on time.
Antonio is a rich merchant in love and unrequited for a woman named Portia. His friend Bassanio, also in love with Portia, needs money to woo her and Antonio agrees to lend it to him. But Antony’s ships are all at sea and he has no cash, so he goes to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, and asks for a loan of 3,000 ducats. Shylock, who hates Antony, agrees to lend him the money on condition that if Antony fails to repay the loan, he will take a pound of Antony’s flesh as collateral.
Meanwhile, Portia, a wealthy heiress, is also being tested by her father to find a suitable husband. Her father left a will stating that any suitor who wants to marry her must choose one of three caskets, one of which contains her portrait. The inscription on the correct box says: "Those who choose me will get what many men desire". Bassanio chooses the correct box and Portia agrees to marry him.
Portia, disguised as a lawyer, defends Antonio and claims that, according to the laws of Venice, a bond for flesh is not legally binding. She also points out that Shylock’s request for a pound of flesh is more than the loan amount, and that Shylock is trying to take Antonio’s life. Portia concludes his argument by stating that the court should consider the principle of mercy and not allow Shylock to take the pound of flesh. The court rules in Antony’s favor and orders Shylock to give half of his wealth and properties to the state, and the other half to Antony. Shylock is also ordered to convert to Christianity.
The play ends with the marriage of Antonio and Portia and that of Bassanio and the lady-in-waiting of Portia, Nerissa.
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