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A merchant borrows money from a moneylender and puts his life at risk
1598Fast paceTense
What it is about
Antonio, a Venetian merchant, borrows money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, so that his friend Bassanio can court Portia. When Antonio cannot repay, Shylock demands a pound of his flesh. The play has been much debated for its treatment of Shylock.
Who will enjoy it
Readers who want a major Shakespeare play.
What you will get
The portrayal of Shylock remains a subject of debate.
The Merchant of Venice Movie: Screen Adaptation
The Merchant of Venice Facts: Pages, Genre and Setting
Genre
Classics · Comedy · Law · Prejudice
Length
112 pages · ≈ 3 h
More about this book
Characters
Antonio, Shylock, Portia and Bassanio.
Setting
Venice and Belmont.
What makes it different
A comedy that includes one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters.
Feel
Sharp, dramatic and uneasy.
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