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The Merchant of Venice | Essays

• A Character Study of Shylock

  A discussion of the controversial figure of Shylock, one of Shakespeare's supreme villains and most problematic characters. Includes his relationship with Antonio, and the theme of Christian mercy.

• Analysis of Act IV, Scene i

  An analysis of the important first scene of Act IV, which encapsulates not only the climax of the play but its major themes.

• Portia's Boxes: Love in The Merchant of Venice

  A discussion of the idea of love that appears in the play's subplots. Examines how love exists in many forms, and looks at how Shakespeare clarifies the importance of romantic vows and the nature of the marital relationship.

• The Merchant of Venice: A Directoral Approach

  Brief essay outlining a directoral approach to the play, including a thematic approach focusing on Shylock and a basic conception for set arrangement.

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1. The Merchant of Venice: Introduction
2. The Merchant of Venice: Summary
3. The Merchant of Venice: William Shakespeare Biography
4. The Merchant of Venice: Reading Shakespeare
5. The Merchant of Venice: List of Characters
6. The Merchant of Venice: Historical Background
7. The Merchant of Venice: Summary and Analysis
   1. Act I, Scenes 1-3: Summary and Analysis
   2. Act II, Scenes 1-9: Summary and Analysis
   3. Act III, Scenes 1-5: Summary and Analysis
   4. Act IV, Scenes 1-2: Summary and Analysis
   5. Act V, Scene I: Summary and Analysis
8. The Merchant of Venice: Critical Commentary
   1. Act I Commentary
   2. Act II Commentary
   3. Act III Commentary
   4. Act IV Commentary
   5. Act V Commentary
9. The Merchant of Venice: Quizzes
   1. Act I, Scenes 1-3: Questions and Answers
   2. Act II, Scenes 1-9: Questions and Answers
   3. Act III, Scenes 1-5: Questions and Answers
   4. Act IV, Scenes 1-2: Questions and Answers
   5. Act V, Scene 1: Questions and Answers
10. The Merchant of Venice: Essential Passages
    1. Essential Passage by Character: Antonio
    2. Essential Passage by Character: Shylock
    3. Essential Passage by Theme: Racial Enmity
    4. Essential Passage by Theme: Mercy
11. The Merchant of Venice: Themes
12. The Merchant of Venice: Character Analysis
    1. Antonio (Character Analysis)
    2. Bassanio (Character Analysis)
    3. Portia (Character Analysis)
    4. Shylock (Character Analysis)
    5. Other Characters (Descriptions)
13. The Merchant of Venice: Principal Topics
14. The Merchant of Venice: Essays
    1. A Character Study of Shylock
    2. Analysis of Act IV, Scene i
    3. Portia's Boxes: Love in The Merchant of Venice
    4. The Merchant of Venice: A Directoral Approach
15. The Merchant of Venice: Criticism
    1. Overview
    2. Usury
    3. Dualities
    4. Bond and Choice
    5. Aspects of Love
    6. Key Scenes
    7. Shylock
    8. Portia
    9. Antonio
16. The Merchant of Venice: Selected Quotes
17. The Merchant of Venice: Suggested Essay Topics
18. The Merchant of Venice: Sample Essay Outlines
19. The Merchant of Venice: Modern Connections
20. The Merchant of Venice: FAQs
    1. Why does Antonio enter into the potentially fatal loan contract with Shylock?
    2. Why did Shakespeare insert the "lottery of the chests" tale into The Merchant of Venice?
    3. Why does Jessica convert to Christianity?
    4. Does Shylock actually convert to Christianity?
21. The Merchant of Venice: Bibliography and Further Reading
22. The Merchant of Venice: Pictures
23. Copyright

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