Deception is a tool that is used for many purposes. … In The Merchant of Venice, Portia, Jessica, and Shylock are all characters who use deception to carry out their own motives. Shylock, the hated Jew, makes his living through the practice of usury and uses deception when Antonio asks to borrow money from him.
How does Portia use deception?
Portia, the new wife of Antonio’s friend, dresses as a lawyer in order to deceive the court. However, unlike Shylock’s motive, Portia’s intent is far more noble and selfless. She manipulates the law in such a way to save Antonio from certain death by the hand of Shylock.
Who lies in The Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice is a 16th-century play written by William Shakespeare in which a merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock.
What social realities were depicted in the play The Merchant of Venice?
Although the play The Merchant of Venice appears to emphasize reality, this play actually emphasizes appearances and how appearances are a crucial component of this play. This play emphasizes appearances because Bassanio used his appearances to impress not only the people of Venice but also Portia of Belmont.
What are the main themes in The Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice Themes
- Prejudice and Intolerance. The Venetians in The Merchant of Venice almost uniformly express extreme intolerance of Shylock and the other Jews in Venice. …
- Human and Animal. …
- Law, Mercy, and Revenge. …
- Greed vs. …
- Reading and Interpretation. …
- Love and Friendship.
What is the main problem that Portia has to deal with?
Portia is usually very self-controlled, but she reveals her anxiety concerning Bassanio a little later when he has arrived at her mansion and is about to choose one of the caskets. She has fallen in love with him, and her anxiety and confusion undo her.
What does Portia instruct Balthazar do?
When Jessica and Lorenzo exit, Portia sends Balthazar off with some instructions: he’s to take some letters to Padua and deliver them to Portia’s cousin, a Doctor Bellario.
Is Shylock a villain or a victim?
Shylock is a combination of both victim and villain in The Merchant of Venice. He is a victim of discrimination and mistreated by Antonio and his daughter, Jessica. Shylock’s greedy, vengeful nature is what makes him a villain, which helps drive the plot of the play.
Why does Shylock hate Antonio?
Shylock hates Antonio because Antonio has the privilege of being a wealthy Venetian who charges no interest on his loans, and he also hates Antonio for being a Christian. … Antonio not only loans money interest-free to many, he has also covered the loans of Shylock’s victims without charging them interest to repay him.
What are the 4 main plot in The Merchant of Venice?
All four plots are bound by the threads of love, generosity, friendship, and the wise use of money, which are the ideals of the Elizabethan society. The plots are also reflective of one another. Antonio’s love for Bassanio is reflected in Bassanio’s love for Portia.
Is Shylock more sinned than sinning?
At the end of the play, Shylock is made to make amends for being Jewish. To Shylock, his faith and money are integral to his soul and identity. He is indeed more sinned against than sinning.
What is the falling action of Merchant of Venice?
Falling action: Shylock is ordered to convert to Christianity and bequeath his possessions to Lorenzo and Jessica; Portia and Nerissa persuade their husbands to give up their rings Themes: Self-interest versus love; the divine quality of mercy; hatred as a cyclical phenomenon Motifs: The law; cross-dressing; filial …
What does the inscription on the silver casket say?
The inscription on the outside of the silver casket reads: ‘Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves’ (2.7. 24).
What is the moral of Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice teaches us that we need financial means to support our family and live a comfortable lifestyle. At the same time, financial decisions must not be taken hastily, especially if you want to secure your family`s financial future and grow your wealth.
Who is the real hero of Merchant of Venice?
Portia is the hero of the The Merchant of Venice. Men create or get themselves into predicaments, but Portia steers them through them successfully. Her greatest triumph comes when she disguises herself as a male lawyer and is able to save Antonio’s life.
Did Bassanio really love Portia?
Bassanio explains that he is in love with Portia and needs a loan to show his wealth and power to her. Even though Antonio has no money to give to Bassanio, he still promises to guarantee any loan Bassanio can find.