Shakespeare’s Play “The Merchant of Venice” revolves around the theme of Love and Money. Here is a quick overview of The Merchant of Venice plot. It will help you to grasp the story of the play. If you want to study detailed ACT-WISE summary of the play, check the link below.
Bassanio wants to marry Portia, but he doesn’t have enough money to visit “Belmont” in order to propose marriage to Portia. So he seeks monetary help from Antonio, who is a wealthy merchant and a very close friend. He requests Antonio to lend him some money. But Antonio was unable to give money to Bassanio because all his money were invested on the ship.
But, Antonio still wanted to help Bassanio. So, he asked a Jewish moneylender named “Shylock” to give loan to Bassanio. Shylock agreed to give loan to Bassanio on a condition that, in case Antonio is unable to repay the loan amount within the stipulated time. He would take one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body.
Points to note:
- The friendship between Antonio & Bassanio: Antonio holds Bassanio as a very good friend, as he is helping him even when he has nothing.
- The weird loan contract: Shylock wants to take one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body, in case he is unable to repay the loan. Shylock intention is actually to kill Antonio and take his revenge.
In another scene, we get to know that, Portia’s father set up a “lucky draw system” to select a suitable husband for Portia. Anyone who wanted to marry Portia has to pick the right casket. There were 3 caskets in total, gold, silver and lead. None of the suitors was able to pass the test.
Points to note:
- Portia’s father is controlling Portia’s future even after his death.
- The Casket choosing game seems like a test of greed.
We also get to know that Bassanio’s friend Lorenzo and Shylock’s daughter Jessica eloped with the help of Lancelot Gobbo so that they can marry.
Point to note:
- Lorenzo is Christian by religion while Jessica is a Jew.
Bassanio and Gratiano aided by the money received from Shylock arrive at Belmont. Bassanio chooses the lead Casket and passed the test designed by Portia’s father. Both Bassanio and Portia are happy with the outcome.
Bassanio receives information about Antonio’s ships. He gets to know that Antonio’s ships are lost and he is not in the condition to repay Shylock’s loan amount. Antonio now has to face Shylock in the court. Bassanio leaves Belmont with Portia’s money in order to help Antonio and save him from Shylock.
Portia disguised as a male lawyer follows Bassanio to the court. She asked Shylock to show mercy to Antonio. But Shylock remains stern and is keen on taking one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body to fulfil his revenge.
Portia examined the legal contract between Shylock and Antonio. She cleverly points out that Contract is only about taking one pound of flesh and taking blood is nowhere mentioned. So according to the contract, Shylock can only take one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body, without spilling any blood. Shylock says that it is not possible.
Shylock was charged with attempt of murder and was punished by the court. The court directed to seize all his property and give one half of his wealth to Antonio and other half will go to the state. Antonio added that if Shylock converts to Christianity and leaves his wealth to Jessica and Lorenzo, then he can keep his half. Shylock accepts to this offer.
Bassanio on his return to Belmont gets to know that the male lawyer was Portia in disguise. Antonio receives great news that three of his ship were found and safely returned back to Venice.