The theme of choices and chances in "The Merchant of Venice" highlights how individuals navigate the outcomes of their decisions and the influence of fate. Portia is bound by her father's will, preventing her from choosing her husband. Antonio gambles on Bassanio's success, leading to unforeseen legal peril. Shylock's strict reliance on the law backfires, resulting in his downfall. These instances illustrate how choices, fate, and others' decisions intertwine, often leading to unexpected consequences.

The theme of Portia's first major speech to Shylock is mercy. She implores Shylock to show mercy to Antonio, emphasizing its divine nature and dual blessings for both giver and receiver. Portia argues that mercy is a noble, godly quality that surpasses justice, urging Shylock to reconsider his demand for a pound of flesh. Despite her eloquent plea, Shylock insists on justice, leading to his own downfall and severe penalties imposed by the court.

The theme of fathers and daughters in "The Merchant of Venice" is explored through Portia and her deceased father, and Jessica and Shylock. Both relationships are characterized by paternal control, limiting the daughters' freedom. Portia is bound by her father's will in marriage choices, while Jessica feels oppressed by Shylock. However, Portia's father's intentions are ultimately protective, ensuring a suitable match, whereas Jessica's relationship with Shylock is purely restrictive, leading her to seek liberation for happiness.

The theme of good versus evil in "The Merchant of Venice" is nuanced rather than clear-cut. Shakespeare portrays characters like Antonio and Shylock as complex, with both positive and negative traits. Antonio helps his friend but also displays prejudice, while Shylock's demand for a "pound of flesh" highlights legal and moral dilemmas. Portia's courtroom speech emphasizes compassion and mercy, suggesting that good and evil coexist within human nature and actions.

The Merchant of Venice features complex interwoven plots and themes. Central to the story is the bond between Antonio and Shylock, highlighting themes of revenge and prejudice. Key subplots include Bassanio's pursuit of Portia, marked by the casket test and his dubious motivations; Jessica's elopement with Lorenzo, adding to the tension between Christians and Jews; and Portia’s clever intervention in the trial disguised as a man. Comic relief is provided by characters like Launcelot Gobbo. The play concludes with reconciliations and resolutions, emphasizing themes of mercy and justice.

Shakespeare demonstrates the theme of blindness through Old Gobbo's lack of sight, Antonio's blind loyalty to Bassanio, Portia's subjection to blind fortune in determining who will marry her, and Shylock's emotional blindness.

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.