My lord, it would seem that the bond was made between Antonio the merchant and Shylock the Jew, for 3,000 ducats to be repaid within three months. This bond seems out of character of a Christian

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        My lord, it would seem that the bond was made between Antonio the merchant and Shylock the Jew, for 3,000 ducats to be repaid within three months.

        This bond seems out of character of a Christian, as they believe it is immoral to lend money and charge a usance rate. It is also strange that this Jew accepted the proposal, as it is plain to see that they are enemies.

        I have looked at all the evidence and have learned why the bond became apparent.

Antonio the Merchants friend, Bassanio, was in need of some ducats in order to travel to Belmont, in hope of marrying Portia. Bassanio, also a Christian, requested to borrow the money from Antonio, however, as the court has heard, Antonio’s money was all at sea. So, the men decided their only hope of acquiring the money, was to get a loan from Shylock.

However, Bassanio’s name had no assurity, whereas Antonio had his own fleet. In order to be granted the loan they decided that with Antonio’s name the bond would sooner be agreed.

Bassanio approached Shylock and told him of the proposal. Shylock showed that he understood what was being asked of him as he said, ‘Three thousand ducats for three months, and Antonio is bound.’ Shylock agreed in saying that ‘Antonio is a good man,’ but then rephrased his meaning to say ‘that his is sufficient.’ He pondered on taking the bond and asked to see Antonio before he made his decision.

As Antonio approached the men, Shylock was heard to have said, ‘I hate him for he is a Christian,’ and that he has ‘low simplicity.’ He also spoke of how he holds ‘an ancient grudge,’ against Antonio and went on to say Shylock will be ‘cursed by my tribe if I forgive him.’

        Shylock then spoke to Antonio and Bassanio directly, and stated that he hadn’t got the money yet, but he could get it from a fellow Hebrew. Antonio explained how he was willing to break his custom of not borrowing, taking, or giving interest, ‘to supply the ripe wants of my friend.’ He then went on to confirm the amount borrowed, and time in which to repay it.

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        Shylock, showed his hatred for the Christian race in the dealing of this bond by toying with the men. He neither confirmed the bond, nor denied it and just changed the subject, and started recalling the Bible.

        While Shylock was toying with the Christians, he also mentioned how he has been treated by them in the past. Shylock said how the Christians had scolded him for his business, called him a ‘misbeliever, cut-throat dog,’ and how they had spat upon his gabardine. He also said how he took all the mistreating ‘with a patient shrug.’ Antonio answered by saying, ...

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