Antonio was a noble merchant of Venice. His friend Bassanio wished to marry Portia, the heiress to a vast fortune. To visit Portia and try his luck, Bassanio needed money. Antonio borrowed the amount from a cruel moneylender, Shylock, who laid a condition. If Antonio could not repay the loan, he had to forfeit a pound of his flesh. Lucky Bassanio won Portia’s hand. Sadly Antonio was unable to pay back the loan. He had no alternative but give a pound of his flesh to Shylock. Bassanio and his friend, Gratiano rushed to their friend’s rescue.
Antonio and Shylock took their case to the Duke of Venice. The trial began. Suddenly a young
lawyer appeared there and the Duke ordered him to judge the case. The lawyer told Shylock that Bassanio would now pay him thrice the amount that Antonio owed him. But Shylock
would not agree. The lawyer then said that he could take the flesh, but without shedding a drop of blood. Shylock backed out, agreeing to take the money. But it was too late now.
The lawyer refused to take money for his services and asked for Bassanio’s wedding ring instead.Who was the brilliant lawyer? What happened to Shylock? Did Antonio’s fortune change? Read the play “The Merchant of Venice” by Shakespeare. It is one of his most popular comedies.
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