Many Of The Most Interesting Characters In The Merchant Of Venice Are Torn Between Their Head And Their Heart In Solving Various Problems. Comment On The Importance Of This Juxtaposition

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Many Of The Most Interesting Characters In The Merchant Of Venice Are Torn Between Their Head And Their Heart In Solving Various Problems. Comment On The Importance Of This Juxtaposition

The first problem posed in The Merchant of Venice is that of Antonio who is wondering the reasons for his feeling weary and down. Like a typical, well-respected Renaissance gentleman, Antonio goes about his predicament in an intelligent manner. He looks within himself, down to his centre of being to try and discover the rational meaning of his emotions - he searches to the very core of his soul. With clear objectives, Antonio uses his head and thinks philosophically. There is no hint of rash self-pity or bemusement, only incisive cogitation. This shows how Antonio can be a calm, measured man, capable of carefully thinking things over in order to come to the best conclusion - he can control his natural impulses and uses his intellect to reason. It reflects his attitude to his job and Antonio is evidently a competent and successful businessman. He deliberately fathoms out the cause of his sorrow and is able to comprehend the true meaning of things. Antonio eloquently dismisses his friends' reasoning,