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"If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die? and if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?" Act III, scene i Written: 1598 Synopsis: Bassanio borrows money from his friend Antonio so as to woo Portia, a heiress whose choice of husband is limited by her father's dying wish. Only he who chooses the right treasure chest will win Portia. Antonio borrows the money from Shylock, the Jew, with the guarantee of a pound of flesh if he forfeits the loan. Meanwhile Lorenzo falls in love Jessica, Shylock's daughter, and steals her and Shylock's money away. Shylock, furious, takes his vengeance out on Antonio when the latter goes bankrupt. Of course, taking a pound of flesh will kill Antonio ... Characters: • Shylock, a Jewish money-lender • Jessica, his daughter • Lorenzo, a Christian in love with Jessica • Portia, a deeply intelligent heiress • Bassanio, in love with Portia • Antonio, his friend Musings: Sometimes Shakespeare scares me. This play is supposed to be a comedy and yet it makes me weep every single time. It is another monument to the historical persecution the Jews have suffered for over two millenia. The Text of the Play: Merchant of Venice Quotes Links: Buy the Play:  |
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