The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. Though classified as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare's other romantic comedies, the play is perhaps most remembered for its dramatic scenes, and is best known for Shylock and the famous "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech. Also notable is Portia's speech about "the quality of mercy".
Bassanio, a young Venetian of noble rank, wishes to woo the beautiful and wealthy heiress Portia of Belmont. Having squandered his estate, Bassanio approaches his friend Antonio, a wealthy merchant of Venice who has previously and repeatedly bailed him out, for 3,000 ducats needed to subsidise his expenditures as a suitor. Antonio agrees, but since he is cash-poor – his ships and merchandise are busy at sea – he promises to cover a bond if Bassanio can find a lender, so Bassanio turns to the Jewish moneylender Shylock and names Antonio as the loan's guarantor.
Antonio has already made an enemy of Shylock through his outspoken antisemitism. The moneylender knows of Antonio's customary refusal to borrow or lend money with interest. Shylock is at first reluctant to grant the loan, citing abuse he has suffered at Antonio's hand, but finally agrees to lend the sum to Antonio without interest upon one condition: if Antonio is unable to repay it at the specified date, Shylock may take a pound of Antonio's flesh...
Learning GuidesClick on the link to download your Learning Guide for 'The Merchant of Venice'. This contains important information that will assist you in your study of Shakespeare's play in preparation for end of year examinations.
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The Merchant of Venice
Click the link to view the 2004 film version of 'The Merchant of Venice' starring Al Pacino as Shylock.
BBC Production of 'The Merchant of Venice'
Alternately, you can access the BBC production of 'The Merchant of Venice' via YouTube.
The Merchant of Venice
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Social, Political and Historical Setting
Click to view Matua Lex's presentation on Anti-Semitism in History and its relevance to 'The Merchant of Venice'. This is an enjoyable exploration of the persecution of Jews and the conflict between Christianity and Judaism.
Key Scenes
Click to view the clips of key scenes of the play (via YouTube).
The Merchant of Venice
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'Hath not a Jew eyes?'View the clip of Shylock's most famous speech:
I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? 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? (III.i.49–57) |
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'I would have my bond'Click to view the courtroom scene:
What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? You have among you many a purchased slave, Which—like your asses and your dogs and mules— You use in abject and in slavish parts Because you bought them. Shall I say to you, “Let them be free! Marry them to your heirs! Why sweat they under burdens? Let their beds Be made as soft as yours and let their palates Be seasoned with such viands”? You will answer, “The slaves are ours.” So do I answer you. The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is dearly bought. 'Tis mine and I will have it. If you deny me, fie upon your law— (IV.i.90-103) |
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Study Guides and Important Information
Follow the links below to access a variety of online study guides to assist your analysis of the play. Explore 'Spark Notes' and 'No Fear Shakespeare' to have the play, characters, themes and issues all explained in simple, easy-to-understand, pupil-friendly language...
Spark NotesFollow the link to find information on the plot, characters, and themes, as well as close analysis of each scene of the play. Spark Notes also provides a range of useful study tips to help with your exam preparation.
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No Fear ShakespeareNo Fear Shakespeare puts Shakespeare's language side-by-side with a facing-page translation into modern English—the kind of English people actually speak today.
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Mastering ShakespeareRead the following study notes from 'Mastering Shakespeare,' which analyses the play by character, theme, and event in a way that is both easy to follow and easy to understand.
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Shakespeare: The Invention of the HumanHarold Bloom is a professor at Yale University. 'Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human' is a collection of Bloom's essays covering all of Shakespeare's plays. These are very academic essays aimed more at University level study, but if you like a challenge, then read on...
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Character Study and Analysis
Access the files below for a range of activities that will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the play, the characters, and the language of 'The Merchant of Venice'. All activities are taken from Rex Gibson's Cambridge School Shakespeare edition of 'The Merchant of Venice'.
Portia - The Hero of the PlayExplore the development of Portia's character throughout the play.
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Shylock - The Villain of the PlayDissect the key scenes involving Shylock the Jew.
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Analysis - Character and LanguageEvaluate Shakepeare's creation through characters and language.
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Graphic Organisers and Revision Tools
Mind Mapping...Follow the link to learn 'What is a Mind Map?' and to be taken through the '7 Steps to Making a Mind Map' by Tony Buzan (the inventor of Mind Mapping). By the end of this process you will have developed a personalised graphic organiser that combines all of your notes, quotes, and understanding of the play on one sheet of paper!
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Argument TreesClick on the link to download an Argument Tree Template. This should be used to help you to track the development of the play, character, or theme in the form of a Graphic Essay Plan (Compare to 'Gattaca' Tree).
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Picture Gallery
Click on the images below from the 2004 film version of 'The Merchant of Venice'.