Question

Why do you think that Antonio is presented as a melancholic character?what could be cause for his melancholy?

Answer 1

Hi...

Antonio is portrayed as a melancholy character from the outset of the play. In the first scene, Antonio's friends, Salarino and Solanio, insist that Antonio is upset and depressed about his ships. Antonio is a wealthy merchant whose money is invested in his ships. Antonio's ships are currently out at sea, where they are subjected to the treacherous waves. However, Antonio denies this explanation for his melancholy disposition and mentions that he has no idea why he is so depressed. 

Another possible explanation for Antonio's melancholy mood concerns his feelings towards Bassanio. Bassanio is much younger than Antonio and seeks Portia's hand in marriage. Being that Antonio is such a close friend of Bassanio's, he may be upset that his best friend is seeking marriage, which means that he will get to spend less time with him. Similar to this explanation is the argument that Antonio is in love with Bassanio and is depressed about losing him.

Another cause for Antonio's sadness may concern his inability to readily lend Bassanio money to travel to Belmont. Antonio is forced to borrow money from Shylock, who agrees to loan him the money on the condition that he exact a pound of his flesh if the loan is forfeited. The audience is aware that Antonio does not favor Shylock, and Antonio mentions that he never agrees to lend or borrow money with interest when he visits Shylock. Antonio quickly becomes worried about forfeiting his loan when he receives terrible news regarding his ships. After hearing the rumors concerning the dire condition of his vessels, Antonio becomes even more depressed, knowing that his life is in danger.

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Answer 2

Answer:

Antonio is presented as a melancholic charecter because to show that he himself is not knowing what is his inner sadness .He tells his friends that melancholy is something natural to him there are two causes described for his melancholy :-1.His ships are at sea,2.May be he is in love.

Explanation:

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