The Merchant of Venice

William Shakespeare

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English

William Collins
07 November 2013

Literature, Poetry & Criticism; Shakespeare plays

Series: Collins Classics

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'The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven’

Bassiano, a noble Venetian, hopes to woo the beautiful heiress Portia. However, he requires financial assistance from his friend Antonio. Antonio agrees, but he, in turn, must borrow from the Jewish moneylender Shylock. As recourse for past ills, Shylock stipulates that the forfeit on the loan must be a pound of Antonio’s flesh. In the most renowned onstage law scene of all time, Portia proves herself one of Shakespeare’s most cunning heroines, disguising herself as a lawyer and vanquishing Shylock’s claims; meanwhile, Shylock triumphs on a humanitarian level with his plea for tolerance: ‘Hath not a Jew eyes?’

Viewed paradoxically as anti-Semitic, while at the same time powerfully liberal for its time, The Merchant of Venice is at its core a bittersweet drama, exploring the noble themes of prejudice, justice and honour.

By: William Shakespeare
Imprint: William Collins
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 178mm, Width: 111mm, Spine: 12mm
Weight: 90g
ISBN: 9780007925476
ISBN 10: 0007925476
Series: Collins Classics
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 07 November 2013
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

William Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and was an eminent dramatist. His plays are perenially adapted and re-interpreted within different contexts. There is much mystery and a timeless fascination around Shakespeare's as a person and as a writer.