Question

In not more than 800 words discuss Antonio's character and his role in the play merchant of venice

Answer 1

Antonio is the title character in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. An influential,powerful and wealthy nobleman of Venice, he is a middle-aged bachelor and a merchant by trade who has his financial interests tied up in overseas shipments when the play begins. He is kind, generous, honest and confident, and is loved and revered by all the Christians who know him. His willingness to die for Bassanio is a manifestation of his character. Antonio manifests his piety by cursing and spitting at Shylock[1] (anti-semitism was common in Europe in Shakespeares days).