Importance of opening scene of merchant of Venice
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What is the importance of the opening scene of The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare?
Asked on October 21, 2015 at 1:02 AM by enotes
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appletrees | College Teacher | (Level 2) Educator
Posted on May 14, 2016 at 11:55 PM
This scene establishes Antonio's friendship with Bassanio, and makes it clear that the two of them are devoted to one another; we see that the other friends surrounding Antonio are not as important to him as Bassanio is. The dialogue between them hints at deep devotion. When Bassanio describes his anxiety over his debts, Antonio offers to help him in any way he can. Bassanio also tells Antonio that he wants to woo Portia, and become one of the potential suitors who might win her hand in marriage. The two are very close friends, and there is a realization on Antonio's part that Bassanio's marriage will cause a shift in their friendship. This may be jealousy at work, if one entertains an interpretation of Antonio's devotion as being based in a latent homosexual attraction to Bassanio.
This scene also introduces the character of Portia (although she does not appear in it), and does so by making her seem mysterious and also worthy of admiration. Bassanio is smitten with her even having never met her, just by hearing stories of her beauty. But there is also a suggestion that Bassanio is interested in her partly because she has a fortune. Since money, wealth and debt are such strong themes throughout the play (it is a debt, bored on Bassanio's behalf, that puts Antonio in danger of being murdered by Shylock), the establishment of Bassanio's desire for wealth and an end to his debts is significant here.
The opening scene of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare establishes the friendship of Antonio and Bassanio which depicts that the two are devoted to each other. For Antonio, Bassanio becomes more important than the other friends he is surrounded by. Antonio offers help in any way to Bassanio when he expresses his anxiety over his debts. Further, Bassanio expresses his desire to become the potential suitor and woo Portia so that he can win her hand for marriage.
Further, the opening scene also introduces the character of Portia who being mysterious and worth of admiration. Though she is not present in this scene, the Bassanio's description shows that he is smitten with her. Strong themes being wealth, money and debt throughout the play, end of Bassanio's debt and desire of wealth is established over here.