Question

Explain the justification of the title marchent of venice depicted in the trial scene

Answer 1

In modern times, we would see the title 'The Merchant of Venice' as simply a play about a merchant (businessman). In this case the merchant would be Antonio. Note, when the play was first registered way back in 1598, the play was called "a book of the Merchant of Venice, otherwise called the Jew of Venice." This would in fact make both Antonio (businessman) and Shylock (the moneylender) the heroes of the play.