Question

Brief paragraph on friendship in context with Antonio and Bassanio.

Answer 1

Bassanio and Antonio borrowed a large sum of money from Shylock, a Jewish money lender in order to meet Bassanio's marriage expenses with Portia. The cunning Shylock made Antonio to sign a bond. According to the bond, Shylock would cut a pound of flesh from Antonio's chest if the money was not repaid within three months. Unfortunately, Antonio's ships were lost at sea. So he could not repay the loan within the prescribed period. Shylock demanded justice according to the bond. The arguments of the Duke and other learned men in the court could not move Shylock. Bassanio and Antonio became helpless.Meanwhile Portia entered the court in disguise of a male lawyer. While Shylock insisted on a judgment strictly based on law, Portia pleaded with Shylock to show mercy to Antonio in the name of God. Portia spoke to Shylock about the greatness of mercy.According to her one cannot show mercy unless one has it. Portia's gentle argument could not change the heartless Shylock. He was adamant in his demand for a pound of flesh from Antonio's chest. Finally Portia argued that as per the bond the Jew could cut only a pound of flesh and should not shed even a drop of blood. The Jew was in a peril and he offered to get back the money, but Portia declared that the Jew should not get anything.Shylock lost everything and went home sorrowfully.