Give a brief character-sketch of Antonio with special reference to his melancholy
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Answer:
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Explanation:
Antonio is a wealthy merchant in the city of Venice. He is a leading citizen, commanding great respect. When he is first introduced to us in the play, he is in a melancholy mood. His friends ask him if he is feeling melancholy because all his ships are at sea, facing all sorts of dangers from storms and from rocks, but he tells them that he is not at all feeling worried about the safety of his ships. He then tells them that his melancholy is something natural to him, something temperamental or inborn. He says that he looks upon this world as the stage of a theater on which every man has to play a part, his own part being that of a sad man. Thus melancholy may be regarded as one of the principal traits of his Character.
Answer:
Antonio in the beginning as a rich merchant having many shipping ventures at sea.He is quite confident about his fortunes and their success. He is prudent and fears no danger to his fortune as he says :
" My ventures are not in one bottom trusted,
Nor to one place; nor is my whole estate
Upon the fortune of this present year:
Therefore, my merchandise makes me not sad.
Antonio's opening sentence," In sooth, I know not why I am so sad," reveals the dominant melancholy of his character. He is sad without any specific reason, yet has a vague feeling of an impending anger. Antonio's nameless melancholy forms the basis of the entire plot. His sad, brooding nature makes him a weak character. Antonio has many friends; but he is not deeply attached to any one except Bassanio. He is neither married nor involved in any love affair. He suffers from loneliness perhaps due to lack of emotional fulfilment. This makes secluded from the society. Loyalty and generosity towards Bassanio are the major traits in Antonio's character.