The Merchant of Venice - Shakespeare
Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice intricately weaves themes of mercy, justice, and prejudice into its narrative, primarily through the interactions between the characters of Antonio, Shylock, and Portia. The play centers on a merchant, Antonio, who borrows money from the Jewish moneylender Shylock, setting in motion a dramatic conflict that questions the nature of contractual obligation and personal ethics. Amidst the tension of a court trial where Shylock demands a pound of flesh for defaulted payment, Portia, disguised as a male lawyer, delivers a poignant argument on mercy, highlighting the complexities of rigid law versus compassionate justice. With its rich characters and provocative themes, the play invites discussions on cultural clash and societal values, making it as relevant today as it was in the Elizabethan era.
Featured in at least 2 post-secondary course classes
ISBNs of note: 9781554812127