friendship in merchent of venice 500 words
Answers
Answer:
The theme of friendship in The Merchant of Venice is best expressed through Antonio and Bassanio's relationship. Antonio's strong feelings of affection for Bassanio motivate him to take out a loan from Shylock to help his younger friend marry, setting the play into motion.
Explanation:
Friendship is a critical theme of The Merchant of Venice, one most powerfully expressed in the friendship between Antonio and Bassanio. However, what I find particular interesting about Shakespeare's treatment of friendship in this play is how he depicts it in terms of hierarchy (which is noteworthy, given that usually friendship is perceived as a relationship between equals).
I think the friendship between Antonio and Bassanio is particularly murky, however (when it comes to discussing these themes of hierarchy). On the one hand, given that Bassanio is a noble, you would think he would occupy greater social status; but do not forget that he is also depicted as financially ruined and desperate to advance his financial standings. With this in mind, the merchant Antonio and Bassanio have a patron–client relationship of sorts, with Antonio lending Bassanio money (and it is in this context that Antonio makes his agreement with Shylock,