character sketch of Antonio in 500 words
Answers
Answer:
Antonio is the merchant of Venice, the titular protagonist of the play. He is about forty years of age and has lived his life to the fullest. He is a successful businessman, owning a fleet of trade ships. Surprisingly, Antonio appears in relatively few scenes of the play, but he is the driving force behind much of the action.
Antonio is the model Christian, as defined by Elizabethan society. He represents, among other things, the ideal of nobility in friendship. He is also kind and generous, both to his friends and to the poor of Venice. Although he is now more philosophical, gentle, and quiet, he can still appreciate the frivolous nature of youth, as portrayed by his beloved friend, Bassanio. Aside from his love for Bassanio, he is unattached. Perhaps his lack of love is the reason for his melancholy.
Antonio's principles are against the borrowing or lending of money for profit. He reflects the medieval attitude that money should be lent for Christian charity. His noble generosity for his friend, however, leads him to cast aside these principles and to take a loan from the merchant, Shylock. He borrows money and pledges his flesh as the bond. When his ships are lost at sea, he cannot repay the loan and accepts the fact that he must pay Shylock with a pound of his flesh.
Character sketch of Antonio
Explanation-
In our first encounter with Antonio, we are struck by his generosity and sincerity. As a true friend, he is willing to take a ruinous loan for his friend. He is cross-questioned by Salarino and Salanio who laugh at him. He feels for Bassanio who failed in his mission the first time.
The city honours Antonio as a notable citizen. He is regarded as one of the most significant citizens. Bussanio calls him the kindest person. Lorenzo has a great deal of respect for him. There are very few people who are not fond of Antonio. Salunio calls him "Good Antonio." The Duke calls him the "Royal Merchant". Shylock loathes Antonio because Antonio lends to the needy without charging interest.
He is a true friend. He is ready to do anything for his friend. He knows that his friend Bassanio has a fascination for Portia but Bassamo has no money. So Antonio takes a loan from his sworn enemy Shylock The Bond he signs is destructive.
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