Decsribe the character sketch of Shylock of in Act 2. Compare and contrast the character of Portia and Jessica. What is the significance of these distinct characters in the play ? (300-350 words)
Answers
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Explanation:
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (SHORT STORY)
Ans - The story 'MERCHANT OF VENICE' is beautifully woven by 'WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'. It depicts Love, Hatred, Justice, Revenge and Friendship.
Bassanio felt in love with rich, charming, gentle and fair Portia. Fame of her beauty and wealth had spread far and wide. He wanted to marry her. Rich suitors were coming from far and near to bid for her hand and in comparison to them Bassanio appeared like a poor man in tattered clothes. He wanted to compete with other suitors so he need three thousand decades to win Portia's hand. So, that's why Bassanio borrowed money from his close friend Antonio.
Portia was a rich lady of Belmont. She is known far and wide for her beauty and many suitors are eager to marry her. She is a rare combination of wisdom and sensibility. She is self-confident, resourceful and creative. She solved Antonio's case very cunningly and saved Antonio.
At first, Portia took advice from her relative Balario who was a lawyer. She dressed herself as Balthazar and Nerissa as her clerk and went to the court of Venice. She pleaded Antonio's case on behalf of Balario. She tried to convince Shylock to change his mind but when Shylock did not agree, Portia turned the tables. She said Shylock had the right to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio's body but while cutting it no drop of blood should be spilled and the flesh should not weigh more than a pound of flesh not by the weight of single hair. In both cases, he would be guilty and would be punished according to law. In this way, Shylock was defeated and Antonio's life was saved.