Their relationship seems to mirror that of a father and son as Antonio feels proud of Bassanio and will do anything to help him succeed in love and life, but he also finds saying goodbye bittersweet. He explains that this new suitor appears polite, wealthy, and shows great promise as deserving of Portia’s love. In friendship, Salerio and Solanio provide a foil to Antonio and Bassanio. Bassanio later states that Antonio was more important than his wife. The bond between friends governs the way these men think, speak, and act, shaping the course of the play. He explains how he has been living the high life, spending money frivolously, but now wants to pay off his debts honorably. — Antonio tells both Salerio and Solanio that his wealth is not dependent upon the fate of one ship, nor solely upon his business interests for that year. In Act I, Scene III, Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, agrees to lend money to a Christian man on the condition that if he defaults on the debt, Antonio, the debtor's friend, will pay with a pound of flesh. Bassanio responds to the letter he just received regarding Antonio’s misfortune and impending fate. Through this thought process and choice, Bassanio shows his genuine and wise character. The Merchant of Venice is considered problematic in how it treats this infamous character, but regardless of where you sit on this issue, Shylock’s monologues are still incredible to work on as an actor. To regain his fortune, he is determined to marry Portia, a wealthy, intelligent heiress of Belmont.In order to ask for her hand in marriage, Bassanio and his best friend, Antonio enter into an agreement with the usurer Shylock. This heartfelt moment between Bassanio and Antonio as described by Salarino further develops the theme of friendship in the play. Anthony cannot just give Bassanio the money he needs, because all … When he says "To you, Antonio, / I owe the most in money and in love" (1.1.137-138), it becomes pretty clear that Bassanio has been sponging off his rich BFF. Bassanio thinks aloud as he chooses among the boxes, revealing his reasons for deciding on the lead box. Antonio passionately explains that Bassanio should not worry about this money because their friendship is stronger than any debts. After Gratiano asks to join Bassanio on his trip to plead for Portia’s hand in marriage, Bassanio explains why he must say no. Thus, he believes it best if Gratiano stays behind. IV,1,2361. Because this combination of love and tragedy feels characteristic of romantic love, not love between friends, some scholars speculate that Antonio’s sadness might come from unrequited romantic feelings toward Bassanio. She seems very generous. When we read this passage, we can't help but notice that when Bassanio talks about wooing Portia, he tends to speak about her "worth," as if her only "value" comes from her money. He explains his choice by focusing on how decoration can trick the viewer, but that he sees past appearances and relies on his instincts and intellect. Bassanio has no money and he has been living in debt which he plans to repay. Salarino’s description indicates that Bassanio and Antonio share a very close bond. Bassanio, being a little shy for talking about Portia, as any boy would be in case of talking about a girl, and ashamed of himself for not being able to return the money previously borrowed, starts to tell by starting with the money of Portia and then about her. He seems to see his quest for Portia as a quest for fortune rather than love. He explains to Portia how he came to her with less than nothing by borrowing from Antonio and putting him in this situation. The man whose face appears on the American $100 bill had a lot to say about money. He invites Shylock to dine with them over the matter of a loan for this, allowing Lorenzo to abduct Jessica. In this scene Bassanio and Antonio ask Shylock for a loan so that Bassanio will have enough money to go to Belmont and woo Portia. He lends out money gratis and brings down The rate of usance here with us in Venice. And even though Bassanio says he loves Antonio, Bassanio looks, sounds, and smells like a big user, the kind of guy willing to take as much as his generous friend has to offer. In The Merchant of Venice Shakespeare is decidedly not anti-Semitic. I have it ready for thee; here it is. Shakespeare needs just such a character in this play for his plot. Even though his interest in Portia started with a desire to solve his money problems, he now focuses his desire on her more valuable qualities than her wealth. Right before Portia enters the trial scene to save Antonio, Bassanio encourages Antonio to be brave, declaring that he will defend him from Shylock with everything he has. (Shylock, Act 1 Scene 3) The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. After Bassanio shows concern about the money he owes Antonio, Antonio reassures Bassanio by describing how he views their friendship. the Jew my master, who—God bless the mark!—is a kind of devil; and, to run away from the Jew, I should be ruled by the fiend, who—saving your reverence!—is the devil himself. It is the amount of positive vibration you have radiated in life that matters,” ― Amit Ray, Meditation: Insights and Inspirations Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Nor do I now make moan to be abridged From such a noble rate. He also affirms that he knows that Antonio cares for him and will help him decide on the best way to pay off his debts. 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