Question

The merchant of Venice play begins in an atmosphere of melancholy. Why do you think that Antonio is presented as a melancholic and passive character?

Answer 1

hii frnd..
here is ur answer...

Through Antonio's melancholy ,shakespare wants to portray three things..
1.he tried to justify the improbabiltity of a rich merchant signing such a fatal bond.
2. it is through Antonio's nameless melancholy that shakespare has created a yraguc atmosphere, an atmosphere suitable for a comedy which floats on the bring of tragedy.

hope it helps..
:)

Answer 2

Answer:Antonio is presented as a melancholic and a passive character mainly for 3 reasons :-

1) by portraying Antonio as a whimsical person ,who is least bothered about the consequences of his actions ,justifies His signing the bond agreement.

2)Antonio’s melancholy creates a tragic atmosphere suitable for the play.

3)Antonio’s. Melancholy creates a sense of mystery for the audience.

Thank you ☺️ hope this helped you .