Appreciate and write a learning perspective of Bassanio's character in The Merchant Of Venice. (Very short answer. 50-100 words is enough)
Answers
Answer+Explanation:
In Act I, Scene I, Bassanio first makes an appearance while Antonio is complaining to his friends that he is sad. Antonio’s friends continue to speculate why he is upset, and Antonio asks Bassanio to tell him of the secret love he is hiding. Bassanio explains that he is in love with Portia and needs a loan to show his wealth and power to her. Even though Antonio has no money to give to Bassanio, he still promises to guarantee any loan Bassanio can find.
In Act I, Scene III, Shylock finally agrees to lend Bassanio three thousand ducats for three months as long as Antonio guarantees the loan. Shylock is skeptical because Antonio’s ships are still at sea, and there is uncertainty whether they will return within three months. After they all agree to the loan, Bassanio offers Shylock to eat with him, but he denies the offer on the grounds of eating with Christians. After a long debate about the Jewish versus Christian morality of charging interest on loans, Shylock decides to add a clause that says that if they cannot repay the loan, Antonio will have to give a pound of his flesh.
Bassanio’s next appearance comes in Act II, Scene II, just as Launcelot decides that he wants to work for Bassanio. He explains in his reasoning that he can no longer bear working for a Jewish man and would rather work for a Christian man. After this, Gratiano appears and asks Bassanio if he can accompany him to Belmont. Before Bassanio agrees, he ensures that Gratiano will behave himself in front of Portia and the other inhabitants of Belmont.
In Act III, Scene II, Bassanio finally reaches Belmont, and Portia urges him to wait before choosing between the three caskets that determine if he gets to marry her. Bassanio reasons through his choices and decides to choose the casket of lead because it is a humble choice. When he opens the casket, he finds the portrait of Portia inside and realizes he has chosen correctly. Portia also gives Bassanio a ring that she says if he loses it, their love will be doomed. Finally, a letter from Antonio arrives telling Bassanio of the misfortunes of his ships, and it also explains how eager Shylock is to get his end of the bargain. Antonio pleads for Bassanio to see him one last time, and Portia encourages him to go to Venice after they marry.
Act IV, Scene I is the critical trial scene in which the laws of Venice are put to a test to see if Antonio will truly have to give a pound of his flesh. Shylock is insistent that the bond be held true while the Duke and other characters argue on behalf of Antonio. Bassanio steps in to confront Shylock and offers to pay the sum that is owed or even pay more if that is what Shylock wishes. Shylock refuses, and that is when Portia, disguised as a lawyer, begins to argue the case. She finds a loophole to prevent the deal from following through and save the best friend of her husband. After the trial, Bassanio offers money to Portia (still disguised as a lawyer), which she begrudgingly takes, and she asks him for the ring she gave him. Initially, Bassanio refuses to give up the ring since it was an important gift from his wife, but Antonio convinces him to give it to her.
In Act V, Scene I, Bassanio and Antonio return to Belmont and greet their wives who appear to be angry that they gave their rings away. After much debate and chastising, the women return the rings and reveal that they were indeed the lawyer and clerk that saved Antonio