The Merchant of Venice: A Comic Drama by William Shakespeare on Love, Justice, Mercy, Hatred, Tragedy, Religious Discrimination and A Pound of Flesh

William Shakespeare’s comic dramas have been praised and loved by the audience for centuries. It attained such affection that a new genre known as “Shakespearean Comedy” was introduced in English Literature. Merchant of Venice is a perfect example of a Shakespearean comedy for its comic and satire quotient that has been applauded by readers throughout the world. • The drama begins with Salarino and Salario, who try to find the reason behind Antonio’s melancholic mood. Antonio, a merchant in Venice whose ships were at sail. • Bassanio, a dear friend of Antonio and a merchant himself, asks Antonio to lend him some money so that he can marry his lady-love, Portia, and return double the amount of money he gave. • Since Antonio’s ships are all at sail he has no money. Nevertheless, he asks Bassanio to borrow money from any man in Venice in his name. • Bassanio goes to Shylock to borrow money in Antonio’s name. Shylock takes full advantage of the situation to exact his revenge for all the discrimination and ill-treatment he faced in society. • Antonio signs a bond with Shylock that he shall return 3000 ducats to him in 3 months from the date the money is lent or else a pound of flesh will be maimed off of any part of Antonio’s body, by Shylock. • Bassanio goes on and marries Portia, but Antonio’s fate took a tragic turn when his ships couldn’t make it to the ports of Venice. • Antonio has a loan of 3000 ducats on his head and Shylock decides to take a pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body as the bond says. The book is a paperback book with well-arranged illustrations and optimized for a relaxed and enjoyable reading experience. Happy Reading!