The Merchant of Venice

... ond supports Salerio's view that 'A kinder gentlemen treads not the earth'.

Antonio appears as a charitable Christian who lends money freely. He presents a sharp contrast to the miserly and extortionist Shylock, who preys upon the hardship of others in order to, increase his own material wealth.

Portia can be described as the heroine of 'The Merchant of Venice'. She possesses all the graces; she is rich, beautiful, clever and honourable. Portia is unselfish and offers the amount of the loan 'twenty times over' to secure Antonio's release from the bond.

Although describing herself as 'an unlessoned girl, unschooled, unpractised', she is impressive in the trial scene where she manipulates the course of events to allow Shylock every opportunity to relent, whilst revealing his cruel, unforgiving nature. Portia appeals to Shylock with her great 'quality of mercy' speech. She speaks of the highest qualities a human being can hope to possess, qualities that are sadly lacking in Shylock. Portia, being the only character, apart from the Duke, to seek legal advice, rescues

Antonio from the life-threatening bond and secures a fitting punishment to deny Shylock the opportunity to repeat his display of heartless revenge.

In 'The Merchant of Venice', Portia represents a direct contrast to Shylock. She is young, he is old; she is generous, he is mean; she is gracious, he is snarling; everyone speaks well of her, everyone speaks ill of Shylock.

I have identified many sections in 'The Merchant of Venice' where Shylock is portrayed as the villain and the Christians heroes. However, in part, Shylock may also be perceived more as the victim in this play rather than merely the villain.

Long before Shylock plotted against ...