“The merchant of Venice” is a play that can be recognized as a tragedy mixed with some elements seen as comedy. Because it is really common to observe in Shakespeare’s works both sides of life. There is no just one reality.
The following paper will discuss how your personal wishes can be the most evident way for proving what the real meaning of friendship is. Due to the fact that in those times, there were several social problems like racial discrimination, sexual discrimination, disqualification of women among others. That is why friendship reflects an important role that is stronger than people`s differences.
The movie started demonstrating that the Jewish community in those times was persecuted and they were identified by wearing a red hat. In that sense, discrimination was something very common. Jewish people were against Christians.
According to the movie, there are two main facts that gave the tension to the story. The first one was Bassanio's idea to conquer to Portia and the second event was in relation to the revenge that Shylock wanted to take on Antonio.
The first event can be considered the main conflict observed in the film because Bassanio needed to travel to Belmont with the purpose of reaching Portia’s love who owned huge riches. Antonio was the most famous merchant in those times. For that reason, Bassanio being his best friedn decided to ask him for money. But Antonio was not able to lend that amount of money. This leaded to the fact that Antonio borrowed the money to Shylock, a Jew moneylender. In addition is important to mention that he was the enemy of Antonio because Antonio claimed that Shylock made usury. Shylock accepted the treat but in case that Antonio did not pay the debt, he asked for one pound of Antonio’s flesh in case he was unable to pay back his debt. After the contract was signed, Bassanio went to Belmont where he chose between 3 caskets, he made the right decision and he picked up the casket in which portia’s portrait was. That meant they got married.
After having summarized the film, I think character’s role in the movie were really important. Shakespeare’s play included all the traditional characters that gave the emotion of a tragedy and the prank of a comedy.
Portia’s role was very important because she represented beauty and intelligence. She was the best example of bravery. Because at the end, Portia followed her ideals and she broke her father’s rules. It is also possible to find a hero as in this work Antonio was. He was the sacrified friend who was the debtor in front of a moneylender. Another relevant character is Shylock, a poor Jew that suffered for his condition being discriminated and most of the time being humiliated. This feeling of resentment made that Shylock intended to take revenge.That is why his life reflected a tragedy.
Bassanio represented to an adventurer man, fighter, persistent whose purpose of conquering to the beautiful lady became true as a result of his dedication. As I said before, all these characters made the film seen in classes more attractive.
The event itself called Bassanio’s wish is the best representation of friendship. His best friend made a sacrifice that meant the fulfillment of Bassanio`s intention. Through this fact, Shakespeare showed us the difficult moment lived in those times, like the lack of money which leaded people to get debts and loans. In spite of those difficulties, Christian characters value human relationships over business and Antonio lent money free of interest and put himself at risk for the person he loved. In other words, Bassanio’s aim is a symbol of filial affection.
The relationship between Antonio and Bassanio can be seen as a pure demonstration of love. Would you contribute in your friend’s wishes?
To conclude, I really enjoyed the film. I liked the way in which characters were portrayed. I definitely recommend watching the movie. Going beyond the movie, I think that the story make people to think on our actions. All we do bring consequences. That is why we have to admit good and bad things. So, acceptances in addition to friendship are the most important values that can help to overcome any kind of discrimination. I have to recognize that discrimination and other social issues are still part of our society.
