how does bassanio plan to save the life of his friend Antonio?
Answers
Explanation:
rowseNotessearch
Search for any book or any question
HOMEWORK HELP > THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
How would you describe the friendship of Antonio and Bassanio in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice?
print Print document PDF list Cite
Expert Answers info
ANDREWNIGHTINGALE eNotes educator| CERTIFIED EDUCATOR
The two men share a very deep bond and seem to have a deep affection for one another. It has been suggested by many commentators that the melancholy that Antonio experiences at the beginning of the play is due to the fact that he realizes that he might lose his companion to another, for Bassanio wishes to travel to Belmont and try his luck in the lottery to win Portia's hand in marriage. Others are of the opinion that the two men share more than just a brotherly affection for each other and are romantically involved.
Whatever the case may be, it is obvious that they are very close. The depth of their relationship is mirrored in the closeness shared between Portia and her hand-maiden, Nerissa. They are not only just friends, but are confidantes as well.
It is clear that there is a relationship of trust between the two men because Bassanio approaches Antonio to ask him for a huge loan so that he may visit Belmont and compete against Portia's many other suitors. Having money will not only enable him to travel there but also make him look the part, since all Portia's suitors are gentleman with titles and status.
It is also obvious that Bassanio, who comes across as a wastrel, has grown dependent on Antonio's generosity, as he himself declares in Act 1, scene 1:
'Tis not unknown to you, Antonio,