(v) In the first scene both the significant themes are introduced by
Shakespeare - Love theme and Bond theme. How are they interwoven? ........this is from MERCHANT OF VENICE.
Answers
Answer:
Shakespeare is a genius in conveying many small lessons of human life through his plays. So he adds many side plots, which usually give the readers an insight into human life and character.
The caskets which are used for choosing a husband for Portia is a clever device that brings out the real character of her suitors. The Prince of Morocco chose the gold casket because it promised him 'what many men desire'. He thought it meant Portia and opened the casket to find a skull. Prince of Arragon chose the silver one because it offered 'as much as he deserves' and in his arrogance the Prince thought he deserved nothing less than Portia herself. He opened the casket to get a clown's head. Bessanio, on the other hand, was ready to 'hazard all he hath' for Portia and got her picture from the casket. So Shakespeare gives the reader an important advice without preaching about it.
Shylock's cunning bond is another matter altogether. At the end it tells you about how mercy is twice blessed and how important is for man to be merciful to his fellow beings. When Shylock is snared by his own web by Portia, it gives the readers a lesson about falling into the very pit one digs for others.
The two plots are incorporated into the play seamlessly to mete out important principles of human life.
Explanation: