Question

Samarries act I and
II of the play,
merchant of Venice.
by contrasting two
major characters of
Antonio and
Bassanio
​

Answer 1

Bassanio and Shylock, the Jew, are discussing the terms of a loan for three thousand ducats. Despite reservations due to Antonio's ships being out at sea, Shylock agrees to a three month loan with Antonio as the guarantor. Shylock wants to speak with Antonio, but refuses to eat lunch with them. As a Jew, Shylock can do business with Christians but cannot socialize with them.

Antonio arrives and while Bassanio goes to speak with him, Shylock talks about how he dislikes Antonio because he is a Christian and lends out money for free. Shylock questions Antonio's desire to borrow money and uses an analogy in scripture to justify his usury practices. They go back and forth for some time trading insults. Shylock suggests easy terms in a show of supposed friendship. Shylock offers to lend the money interest free but if Antonio is not able to pay, Shylock will take a pound of his flesh. Bassanio does not like these terms but Antonio agrees saying that his ships will easily arrive in time to pay the loan. Shylock agrees to get the three thousand ducats and meet Antonio at the notary.