The merchant of Venice

authoritative text, sources and contexts, criticism, rewritings and appropriations

English language

Published April 27, 2005 by W.W. Norton.

ISBN:
978-0-393-92529-6
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In this lively comedy of love and money in sixteenth-century Venice, Bassanio wants to impress the wealthy heiress Portia but lacks the necessary funds. He turns to his merchant friend, Antonio, who is forced to borrow from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. When Antonio's business falters, repayment becomes impossible--and by the terms of the loan agreement, Shylock is able to demand a pound of Antonio's flesh. Portia cleverly intervenes, and all ends well (except of course for Shylock).

104 editions

Subjects

  • Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
  • Moneylenders -- Drama
  • Jews -- Italy -- Drama
  • Shylock (Fictitious character) -- Drama
  • Venice (Italy) -- Drama