Compare and contrast the different worlds and different values of Venice and Belmont as presented in Act 1 of 'The Merchant of Venice'

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Compare and contrast the different worlds and different values of Venice and Belmont as presented in Act 1 of ‘The Merchant of Venice’

Venice and Belmont are cities of contrast.  Using examples of language, style of expression and characters I shall compare and contrast Venice as the centre of trade and wealth to the fictional Belmont, a fairytale place where love and happiness are the main concerns.  I shall also consider the society that is depicted in each location and look at how this links to views of the audience both in Shakespeare’s time and in present day.

The audience is introduced to the world of Venice in the first scene. Venice is concerned almost solely with wealth and trade, which mirrors the view the Shakespearean audience would have had of it at the time.  The language used by Antonio, Salarino and Solanio is dominated with the subject of trade.

“Your mind is tossing on the ocean

There where your argosies with portly sail…”

The style of language Shakespeare uses varies between Venice and Belmont.  The characters in Venice talk in verse using elaborate conceits to show their intelligence as was fashionable at the time.  Even when attempting to cheer Antonio up, Salarino uses this as a chance to show off his wit and intelligence.  This compares to the simpler but still humorous language used by the women in Belmont and suggest that perhaps it is not possible to be as open in Venice as in Belmont.

‘I will do anything, Nerissa, ere I will be married to a sponge’

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The merchants are more concerned with appearing successful then discussing their real feelings.  A different interpretation of this is that as the first scene contains only men they are attempting to show off, as opposed to the women in Belmont who are happier to talk openly together.  

With speech full of references to business, Salarino and Solanio convey worry and anxiety towards Antonio’s ventures.  This emphasises the fact that the main concerns of Venice are financial.

“My wind cooling my broth

Would blow me to an ague when I thought

What harm a wind ...

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