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The Merchant of Venice | 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 sentimental storylines in The Merchant of Venice often get lost amid the play's more prominent themes. Although the idea of love appears only through the play's subplots, Shakespeare does make the theme prevalent enough to warrant attention. The play demonstrates that love exists in many forms, and is selfless and not self-serving. It also clarifies the importance of romantic vows and the nature of the marital relationship.

The first idea of love that is presented in the play is that it comes in many forms. Antonio demonstrates his love for his kinsman Bassanio...

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