discuss the theme of friendship and loyalty showed in the play The Merchant of Venice.
Answers
Answer:
It is patently clear from the text that Antonio and Bassanio share a deep friendship. Bassanio trusts that Antonio will assist him in any predicament for he has obviously done so in the past. Their friendship is obvious as one can gauge from their initial conversation:
...To you, Antonio,
I owe the most, in money and in love,
And from your love I have a warranty
To unburden all my plots and purposes
How to get clear of all the debts I owe.
ANTONIO
I pray you, good Bassanio, let me know it;
And if it stand, as you yourself still do,
Within the eye of honour, be assured,
My purse, my person, my extremest means,
Lie all unlock'd to your occasions.
The generous Antonio is prepared to help his friend in whatever situation he may find himself.
Explanation: