Question

How far is the merchant of Venice a romantic comedy?

Answer 1

(Please note that literature answers are NOT to be written in the point form. They should be written in paragraphs. The points are enlisted only so you can get a clear idea of what information should be included in the answer.)                                                                                                                                                                                           

Shakespeare’s romantic comedies have some typical features.

1. Focus on love- To begin with, the plot relies heavily on love and romance. There are three couples, each contributing significantly to the complexity of the plot- Portia and Bassanio, Nerissa and Gratiano and Jessica and Lorenzo. Each of these love stories is part of the final story.
2. Wide scope of love- Additionally, Shakespeare understands that love can blossom just about anywhere, irrespective of one’s social standing. While Portia is a rich lady, Bassanio is in debt and owes money to his friend. Similarly, while Jessica is the rich Jew’s daughter, Lorenzo does not seem to be very well off. Nerissa and Gratiano fall in love simply because they are close friends of the main characters. Thus, there seems to love at all levels of society.
3.Settings- Shakespearean comedies are set in exotic locations. Both Venice and Belmont have their own feel. Venice being a port and a business hub, is full of energy and vitality, while Belmont is more laid back and is teeming with riches. Belmont is where Bassanio and Portia meet, in a world that is quite removed from the reality. It is more of a dream world. There is often movement from the lovers’ paradise to harsh reality, as in this play as well.
4. Problem- Romantic comedies are full of problems that the young lovers have to face before they can be happy together. For Portia, her father’s will poses the problem, because she cannot choose the person she would like to marry. Each suitor, including Bassanio needs to handle the challenge all by himself. In Jessica’s case, Shylock is completely unwilling to let his daughter marry a Christian.
5. Mistaken identities- To add a degree of light-heartedness, Shakespeare often includes crossdressing in his romantic comedies. It is entertaining to see people in disguise and being mistaken for someone else. It also adds a bit of suspense to the drama. Here too, Jessica dresses up as a page boy, while Portia assumes the character of Dr.Balthazar. It is amusing when the audience knows their true identities, but other characters do not.
6.Comic content- The language used is witty and meant to produce comic effect. For instance, Launcelot Gobbo’s talking to himself about how the devil and his conscience simultaneously try to influence him is comic. Similarly, the kind of directions he gives to his own father is amusing. Gratiano too adds humor to the play with his words. For instance when he is giving advice to Antonio, he calls Antonio a statue, specifically his ‘grandsire cut in alabaster’. Yet another entertaining character is the Prince of Morocco, who is full of himself and thinks highly of himself, though Portia is more than happy to get rid of him.
7. Ending- Romantic comedies always have a happy ending. It is typical of romantic comedies to culminate in the victory of good and love over evil and hatred. It involves overcoming the challenges and finding the solution to the problems and eventually settling everything for the good. As Portia saves Antonio, Bassanio gets his friend back. Similarly Shylock gets punished for his vengeance.

 

The Merchant of Venice has all these characteristics and hence is a romantic comedy.

 

 

Answer 2

Explanation:

you can write any one of them for your work