The Merchant of Venice Cover Image

The Merchant of Venice

by William Shakespeare

Start Free Trial

Discussion Topic

Themes and Character Interactions in The Merchant of Venice

Summary:

The Merchant of Venice explores complex themes such as justice versus mercy, the conflict between duty and self-preservation, and the dichotomy of appearance versus reality. Key characters like Shylock and Antonio embody these themes through their interactions, where Shylock's insistence on justice highlights religious and legal tensions, while Antonio's hypocritical actions expose the play's anti-Semitic undertones. The theme "do unto others" is portrayed through both characters' selfish motives, with Portia representing mercy. Male relationships, particularly between Antonio and Bassanio, are depicted as deeply significant, often rivaling marital bonds.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

What are the themes of Act 2, Scene 2 in The Merchant of Venice?

Most of the themes in this scene are also themes in the larger play. Let us take the themes in the order they appear:

In lines 1 - 29, the clown Launcelot is wrestling with himself about whether he should run away from Shylock, whom he works for as a servant. Launcelot feels his conscience is telling him to stay with Shylock, but "the devil" is telling him to run away. Though he uses funny, convoluted language, Launcelot is expressing the theme of being torn between duty and self-preservation, which will become a problem for Antonio later.

For both Launcelot and Antonio, this conflict is caused directly by the fact that they have dealings with Shylock, who tends to use the rules to make other people's duties hateful to them.  So another theme in this scene and in the play is the harshness of Shylock and of Jews in general (with the exception of Jessica). This seems awfully anti-Semitic (and perhaps it is), but it is less-objectionable if we see Shylock as standing for a strict legalism under which no one can live. 

In lines 30 - 88, Launcelot encounters his father Gobbo. Gobbo is partially blind ("sand blind"), and apparently has not seen Launcelot for some time (a few years?). Launcelot pretends to be someone else and tells his father that Launcelot is dead. He doesn't keep up the joke for very long, but once he does try to reveal his true identity to his father, the old man remains confused and does not believe it's really Launcelot until Launcelot mentions his mother's name. This is a comic variation on the theme of the difference between appearance and reality, which we will also see in the subplot with Portia and the caskets, and again when Portia dresses up a young lawyer. 

In the same part of the scene (lines 69 - 71), Launcelot makes an ironic and insightful comment: "Nay, indeed [even] if you had your eyes you might fail of the knowing me; it is a wise father that knows his own child." This idea of parents not knowing their own children is also a minor theme in the play. Shylock does not realize how much Jessica hates living with him, and he is shocked when she runs away. Portia's father, with the way he set up the casket test in his will, seems to have handed her a frustrating limitation, although he had her best interests at heart. 

Comic confusion is a theme throughout the whole scene. Launcelot and his father are there to provide comic relief. It starts with Launcelot's tongue-twisting monologue, continues when Gobbo doesn't know his own son, and goes further when the two of them try to talk to Bassanio, interrupting each other with one malapropism after another (line 115: “he hath a great infection to serve" and line 123: “as my father, being I hope an old man, shall fruitfy unto you“).

The scene becomes a little more serious at the end, when Gratiano shows up asking Bassanio if he may go with him to Belmont. (Bassanio is going to Belmont to try to win Portia's hand. We will find out later that Gratiano hopes to go because he is interested in Portia's maid, Nerissa.) Bassanio quickly agrees, but warns Gratiano to restrain his usual tendencies to be "too wild, too rude, too bold of voice" while they are in Belmont.  Bassanio says he personally doesn't mind these things about Gratiano, but if Gratiano behaves that way in Belmont, it may hurt Bassanio's chances with Portia. In short, Bassanio fears he will be exposed to loss and trouble by the character flaws of a good friend. This is exactly what happens to Antonio, when Bassanio's need for money causes him to fall into the hands of Shylock.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

What are the themes of law, religion, and justice in act 4, scene 1 of The Merchant of Venice?

This scene takes place in a court of law. Shylock calls upon the court for justice and insists that his bond with Antonio be redeemed. Shylock says, “I stand for judgment.” He insists that he get a pound of Antonio’s flesh and nothing else. He will not provide doctors nor accept money because it is not “nominated in the bond.” The duke and Portia appeal to Shylock's sense of compassion. Portia praises mercy over justice: “in the course of justice, none of us / Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy.” Despite Portia's pleas, Shylock will not be moved.

Portia manages to free Antonio by interpreting the law as strictly as Shylock does. She points out that the contract does not allow for “One drop of Christian blood” nor for an iota more or less than one pound of flesh. When Shylock attempts to recant, she uses his own reasoning against him: “Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest.” Portia also points out that his attempt on Antonio’s life is punishable by death and confiscation of his goods.

Antonio and the duke “forgive” Shylock and take only half of his goods and force him to convert to Christianity. Shylock had hoped that, if nothing else, the law could give him justice. The citizens of Venice, who taunted him when his daughter stole from him and married a Christian, certainly hadn’t. As a Jew, Shylock is not equal to Antonio in the eyes of the law. Portia refers to him as an “alien” and to the Christian Antonio as a “citizen.” Justice, the law, and religious identity are inextricably intertwined in this scene.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

How do characters convey themes in The Merchant of Venice?

In The Merchant of Venice, a play of dichotomies, Portia may be seen as representing the theme of mercy as is eloquently attested by her "Mercy" speech (IV.i.184-197). In dichotomy to this, Shylock may be seen as representing the opposing theme of revenge, or vengeance, as is attested by his loan contract and legal appeal for the one pound of flesh Antonio foolheartedly promises as security against Bassanio's loan. Some might see Shakespeare's exploration of the theme of mercy versus vengeance as tongue-in-cheek, in other words, as an ironic perhaps mocking exploration in that Shakespeare clearly presents a good case for Shylock to desire revenge based on his rendering of grievances against all of Antonio's base behaviors and based on the obvious shortcoming in Portia's defense of mercy as it is withheld from Shylock, who is stripped of everything including his religious and ethnic identity.

Related to a second theme, Bassanio, Antonio and Portia may be seen as representing the theme of outward show to impress others, or appearances for the sake of impressing others. Bassanio wants a loan of a substantial amount of money in order to impress Portia with the appearance of  wealth in order to attempt to win her hand (and wealth) in marriage. To impress by appearances, Antonio brags to Solanio and Salerio that his livelihood and fortune do not depend upon the success or failure of one shipping venture, then confesses to Bassanio that he can't give him a loan because everything he has is tied up in his ships and presently at sea. Portia and Nerissa impress by appearances when they impersonate legal personages and speak up for Antonio, though as said before, Portia's eloquence and mercy (perhaps appearance of mercy) extends only as far as Bassanio and Antonio.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

How is the theme "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" portrayed positively and negatively in The Merchant of Venice?

The Merchant of Venice is a perfect example of man's ultimate selfishness but it also reveals man's capacity for compassion. Shylock and Antonio are both guilty of considering only their own perspective and not worrying about how they affect others. Shylock is also intent on "doing to others as you would have them do unto you" and does not try to hide the fact. He even stresses that Antonio only has himself to blame and Shylock "will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. He hates our sacred nation." (I.iii.42-43) Shylock is so incited by thoughts of Antonio and his self-serving ways that he vows to exact his revenge based on what he claims to have learnt from Antonio's example :" The villainy you teach me, I will execute." (III.i.61) Whilst his unhealthy need for revenge is to be discouraged, and which Portia tries to moderate, Shylock is, at least, transparent enough that each character knows where they stand with him.

Antonio on the other hand, will have others believe in his kindness and he is very caring and accommodating towards his friends. He is more than happy to help Bassanio to win Portia's hand in marriage, even if he must deal with the much-despised Shylock. At one stage, he even accepts his fate as it seems that justice can only be served by delivering his "pound of flesh."  However, it is Antonio who has "disgraced me (Shylock), and hindered me half a million; ... cooled my friends, heated mine enemies; and what's his reason? I am a Jew..." (III.i.47-50) Antonio is therefore a hypocrite. His appearances are deceiving.

At the end, when Shylock has been tricked out of his bond, Antonio relishes Shylock's pain and inflicts the ultimate insult by insisting that Shylock convert to Christianity. Antonio is ensuring that he will do to Shylock what Shylock attempted to do to Antonio - ridicule him,ruin him,defeat him or even kill him if he had taken his "pound of flesh." Antonio cannot see that he has contributed to the man Shylock has become. He wants to "do unto others..." against Shylock but, other than accepting the hands of justice which would have given Shylock what he wanted, cannot see Shylock's right, if he must apply Antonio's philosophy, to do the same unto him. Antonio does not think he deserves Shylock's scorn.

Portia is the one who tries to reason and can see the damaging effects of Shylock's and Antonio's hatred. She tries to reason with Shylock and wants to persuade him that mercy "blesseth him that gives and him that takes," (IV.i.182) which is exactly what is supposed to happen when a person "does unto others..." That person will have his blessings bestowed right back on him. By the same token, she holds him to his bond when things change and will not let him merely take his money. She measures justice and fairness, something neither Shylock nor Antonio do.

Hence the theme of justice versus mercy, of values and prejudices is developed by revealing both ends of the spectrum and how some people (Antonio) contribute to the dire situation without even realizing it or without accepting any responsibility. There is no humility in either Antonio or Shylock both of whom reveal an arrogance that serves no purpose. Just as Shylock is "an inhuman wretch, Uncapable of pity"(IV.i.4-5), Antonio is prejudiced based on the fact that Shylock is a Jew. 

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

How does The Merchant of Venice examine male relationships?

While some have made the claim that there is more to the relationship between Bassanio and Antonio, I think it is more brotherly. A friendship. Quotes like this one,
"Commend me to your honorable wife:
Tell her the process of Antonio's end;
Say how I lov'd you, speak me fair in death;
And when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love."
(IV.i.273-278).

That Antonio says (when he thinks he is dying) shows the extend of their friendship. Antonio is showing the rivalry between who could love Bassanio more, between himself and Portia. In response, Bassanio says, ""I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all / Here to this devil, to deliver you" (IV.i.286-287). And by all, he is referring to his wife whom he loves, "dearly."
"The Merchant of Venice" then portrays brotherly, familiar love as being as important as love between a man and a woman. However, after the ring incident, Portia scolds Bassanio and reminds him that a love between a husband and wife is more important than a friend. However, whether or not Antonio or Bassanio believe that is questionable by the actions and words that they have already said. Male-Male relationships in the play are more important to the two heroes than their wives. The wives who feel that try to change the minds of their husbands, but I don't think they ever succeeded.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

How do characters in The Merchant of Venice treat each other and how does it relate to a theme?

One major lesson to be learned from reading Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is "what goes around comes around." Antonio has belittled Shylock publicly many times in the past. Because of this public slander, Shylock holds a grudge against Antonio. Add to this rivalry the fact that Antonio is Christian and Shylock is Jewish and the foundation for a perfect conflict is in place. Other characters in the play join sides based on friendship and familial ties, as well as on religion. Many say that this is a racist play, but it is better labeled as anti-Semitic than racist since both sides of the conflict are Caucasian.  Although the play suggests that it was Antonio who started the back-biting, it is Shylock who winds up going from victim to predator and back to victim again; thus, reaping the worst of the consequences under the plot conflict. In is interesting to note that Portia is the only one who shows professional respect to both sides as she plays the young doctor/lawyer. Having been recently married to Bassanio, Portia could have easily swayed the law earlier in Act IV to go in favor of Antonio, but she didn't. Portia gives Shylock every opportunity to negotiate the contract outside of the consequences of the law and treats him with respect (by not calling him names like the others do) through the whole process. It is clear that the play ends in favor of Christians rather than for Jews, though, and that sends another distinct message from Shakespeare as to his religious preferences. Nevertheless, the lesson is the same that if a person does not forgive others, then the worst can befall him/her in the end.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

How does the theme "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" apply to The Merchant of Venice?

The Merchant of Venice explores the conflicting emotions within each of us as we strive to do the right thing but, when others do not do the same, it's very hard, (to use a biblical reference in keeping with the question), to "turn the other cheek." 

The inward struggles of mainly Antonio and Shylock reveal the self-absorption that accompanies selfish motives. Shylock attempts to show that Antonio is not all the "Christian" he makes out to be and claims that Antonio is representative of the flaws in Christian compassion that he finds hypocritical. "I hate him for he is a Christian"(I.iii.41) compounds the mistrust and "I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him" serves to develop the plot.

A Shakespearean audience would have no doubt supported Antonio as "the Jew," Shylock, represents the opposite of Christian values which claim that mercy and compassion are "mightiest in the mightiest"  (IV.i.188)and "earthly power doth then show likest God.."(196) when  justice is evaluated in terms of mercy.

Portiareveals a Christian attitude, overlooking any religious differences when she tries to reach Shylock in her reference to mercy, hoping he will relieve his bond of "a pound of flesh" against Antonio but Shylock claims that he basically does "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" because "the villainy you teach me I will execute"(III.i.61) infers that Shylock is emulating the so-called "Christian example" (59). The Christians so despise the Jews and, it seems they reserve their compassion and mercy for Christians but Jews also "bleed" and  Antonio has "scorned my nation" (50)

Antonio does seem to be the epitome of goodness in his dealings with Bassanio, for whom he is willing to risk all and "pay it instantly with all my heart."(IV.i.276)He remains calm and submissive as he prepares to meet his faith. However, he has been hypocritical in approaching Shylock in the first instance as he as he is highly critical of Shylock's business but willing to participate in it when it suits him - "producing holy witness...a goodly apple rotten att the heart."(I.iii 94-5) Antonio actually thinks he has persuaded Shylock to show "much kindness" in agreeing to a "pound of flesh" rather than interest on a bond. He is proud that "The Hebrew will turn Christian"(174) and his pride prevents him from seeing the contradictory nature of his dealings.

The duplicity of Antonio is further emphasized when he has the opportunity to show compassion for Shylock, after Portia, realizing the animosity between Shylock and Antonio, has actually manipulated Shylock into a corner warning him not to splii Antonio's blood when taking his bond. Antonio could show mercy but takes from Shylock the most treasured piece of heritage - his religion, by insisting that he "become a Christian"(IV.i.381) as part of his punishment.

Shakespeare is warning his audience of the dangers of pride - regardless of religion.  

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial