The Merchant of Venice
Categories: Drama, Literature & Fiction
In Venice, the merchant Antonio borrows three thousand ducats from the Jewish moneylender Shylock so his friend Bassanio can court the heiress Portia. Shylock, long insulted by Antonio, sets a pound of flesh as the penalty if the loan is not repaid. At Belmont, Portia's suitors must choose among caskets of gold, silver and lead. First printed in 1600, Shakespeare's play is much debated for its portrayal of Shylock and its treatment of antisemitism.
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