Antonio would die for his friend- But Bassanio hardly seems worth it. Discuss this view of Antonio in relation to the man for whom he almost dies

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Mitesh Desai

5J3

Mr. Elliot

Antonio would die for his friend- But Bassanio hardly seems worth it. Discuss this view of Antonio in relation to the man for whom he almost dies

Antonio is a key character in the Merchant of Venice. He begins the play upset and with all of his friends surrounding him, attempting to lift his spirits and cheer him up. They are questioning his depression:

Salerio: “Why then you are in love”

Antonio: “Fie fie!”

Prior to this, Salerio was questioning whether Antonio, feared for his fleet of ships, which brought him all his wealth. Antonio had replied negatively and Salerio drew to his conclusion as above. His friends believe that Antonio is lonely and seeks some sort of life partner. Gratiano, another of Antonio’s friends, comments that Antonio does not look well:

Gratiano: “ You have too much respect upon the world, they lose it that do buy it with much care”

Antonio: “I hold the world but as the world Gratiano, a stage where everyman must play a part, and mine a sad one”

This has given us an idea of how the play will progress; with Antonio remaining dejected and caring about his friends and companions far too much, with is illustrated in the above quote, using respect in the word care’s place. From this opening scene it is evident that Antonio is unhappy, and money simply cannot buy his happiness or love, if it is this that he so desires. This is on the contrary to his best friend Bassanio’s believes, for he has requested a loan from Antonio with the intention, that this should make him appear more attractive to the lady whom he wants to marry, Portia. It could almost be seen in a light whereby Bassanio is throwing out the old and bringing in the new, and to do so he is taking advantage of Antonio, the old, and his money.    

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Bassanio leaves his audience constantly wondering about his intentions. In his opening scene he has requested a loan of money from his best friend Antonio and it is in order to attract a woman “richly left”, namely Portia. This leads us to wonder whether Bassanio is in love with money, or his friends and lovers around him. For he is a friend to Antonio, who has utmost trust in him as he shows in this instance:

“My purse, my person, my extremest means, Lie all unlocked to your occasions.”

And Bassanio needs his best friend’s money, so ...

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