• 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.

Related Topics

1. The Merchant of Venice: Introduction
2. William Shakespeare Biography
3. Reading Shakespeare
4. List of Characters
5. Historical Background
6. One-Page Summary
7. 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. Critical Commentary
   1. Act I Commentary
   2. Act II Commentary
   3. Act III Commentary
   4. Act IV Commentary
   5. Act V Commentary
9. 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. Themes
11. Character Analysis
    1. Antonio (Character Analysis)
    2. Bassanio (Character Analysis)
    3. Portia (Character Analysis)
    4. Shylock (Character Analysis)
    5. Other Characters (Descriptions)
12. Principal Topics
13. 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
14. Selected Quotes
15. 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. Suggested Essay Topics
17. Sample Essay Outlines
18. Modern Connections
19. Pictures
    1. Solanio, Salerio and Shylock by Sir John Gilbert
    2. Portia in Royal Shakespeare Theatre production (1978)
    3. Shylock in Lyceum production (1879)
    4. Launcelot, Shylock, and Jessica by H. Hoffmann
    5. Shylock in Royal Shakespeare Theatre production (1978)
    6. Shylock in National Theatre production (1970)
    7. Illustration: Bassanio, A Venetian Nobleman
    8. Illustration: Antonio, A Merchant of Venice
    9. Illustration: Shylock, A Jewish Money Lender
    10. Illustration: Portia, A Wealthy Heiress of Belmont
    11. Illustration: Launcelot
    12. Illustration: Portia and Nerissa
    13. Illustration: Launcelot Gobbo and his father, Old Gobba
    14. Illustration: Launcelot, Jessica, and Shylock
    15. Illustration: Morocco, An Anfrican Prince and a death's head.
    16. Illustration: Shylock
    17. Illustration: Bassanio and Portia
    18. Illustration: Bassanion, his attendant and Portia
    19. Iillustration: Shylock and Antonio
    20. Illustration: Shylock with Antonio and Bassanio
    21. Illustration: Shylock with a knife
    22. Illustration: Portia disquised as a lawyer
    23. Illustration: Portia
    24. Illustration: Stephano (a messenger), Lorenzo and Jessica
    25. Illustration: Portia and Bassanio
    26. Illustration: Portia offering Bassanio the ring.
20. 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. Bibliography and Further Reading
22. Copyright

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