25th August
I’m sinking deeper and deeper, Bassanio has come to me, for he needs three thousand ducats to travel to Belmont and court his true love, Portia, It is my desire to help him achieve this goal but I have no access to money. My capital is tied up as all my ships are out at sea. I have struggled with my emotions all day, stressing to work out how I can help Bassanio and I’ve agreed to the bond – the bond which could determine my life, Shylock has loaned me 3000 ducats and if I do not return this amount of money within his time limit he gets a pound of my flesh from anywhere he chooses, I have no doubt that he will take it from a most life threatening position of my body but what would you expect from a money grabbing Jew. Though my only option is Shylock, the Jew, a man I loath and I have no love loss. He preys on poor and innocent people. He’s a money grabbing Jew and a usurer.
And as for his daughter, Jessica, I have pity for she has to tolerate such a man and for I know she is unhappy, her decision that she and Lorenzo, a Christian friend of mine, are to be together no matter what I bless them both for this is a true act of love. I ponder on whether the Jew realises how disliked he is, even by those he calls his own.
26th August
Another day has passed and Bassanio has brought news of his venture that he is going to be able to fulfil his quest and win Portia’s heart. He speaks to me as though he walks on air, he is so happy, his hopes are high and I know his love is true. Although my stomach churns at the thought of losing my true friend and companion, I worry that I may never get to be with him often and that we’ll lose touch, but I know it would be wrong to prevent him going. Although this is tinged with happiness for I am happy, that he is happy.
3rd September
Days have passed and I have been struck with my ultimate low. My bond with Shylock has expired and my ships have not yet arrived, and judgement day has come. And now I must wait in silence for the court to decide the final outcome, I know Shylock will not take pity for our relationship is mutual and pity is not something you can expect from a Jew.
My fear grows ads the court trial draws closer; my mind is battling to make sense of what to come. Surely the Duke cannot let the contract slip as this would break all money lending contracts, sending business agreements in Venice into chaos. I will try everything but Shylock is determined to have my blood and I feel no hope.
6th September
Today my blood ran cold as soon as I entered the court room for my life was on the line. If I was to die today I wanted it over and done with fast, I saw no reason to live anyway – I have no money for my ships are still out at sea, my loyal friend has found his true love and argued with myself as I was to lose comfort in such a true friendship. I knew I could do nothing! My mind went blank, my life flashing before my eyes, all the good times Bassanio and I encountered together and I knowing in my true of true hearts that I’d never get to spend another day with him, as well as my close friends like Solanio and Gratiano. Clearly Shylock could take his pound of flesh without the Duke contradicting the bond. It was surely the end! Even the young learned lawyer took the side of Shylock. The bond is law.
Or so I thought, relief I felt when I owe my life to the lawyer as he used his superior intellect and defined Shylocks side of the contract, it was the agreement that if I failed to stick to the contract he could have his pound of FLESH and only the flesh as the lawyer stated. After reading the contract and he noted that not one drop of blood could be shed as it was not in the contract in order to claim Shylocks ‘prize’. In a flurry of relief I was both confused but grateful; I fell to my knees and prayed in tanks for the salvation of my life. My life is complete for Bassanio showed his true love for me today by giving the lawyer the ring he promised to Portia, to wear forever as a sign of their love. He gave it up in payment for saving my hopeless life and so with my life I honour my friends gesture to this day.
7th September
I am still weary for yesterday was a long and trying day climaxed by Bassanio inviting me to go with him back to Belmont and meet Portia, I have agreed for I would like it, to meet his one true love. I am still troubled by losing control over my ships not hearing any development on them and my lack of income. I am grateful for Bassanio’s kindness and eager to meet the one he loves!
8th September
Today I had the pleasure of meeting Bassanio’s love, Portia. It has been a very revealing day after witnessing a quarrel between Portia and Bassanio over his ring. It transpires that Potria and Nerissa, her lady-in-waiting, played a very devious trick to save my hopeless life. They deceived the courts by dressing as men – the lawyer and the clerk. It was they who asked for the ring as a payment in testament of the love Bassanio had for Portia. Although Portia understood how much I really meant to Bassanio, as he gave away his commitment ring, I am grateful for it is over but it is tinged with remorse and guilt for allowing Bassanio to give up his ring in betrayal of Portia. How can I repay them? Great news has come at last… Portia gave news of my ships, three have sailed into port at last, and my worries are over. My mind is at rest.
28th September
Many days have passed and I have been too busy to write. At last things are getting better, I have come to live with my troubled mind and my independence is improving. I have great plans for the future, plans to build up my fleet and trade. I am a fair and honest man and I am glad Jessica is to inherit from Shylock, for he asked the court to give him money for not taking the pound of flesh after the catch in the contract was clear, and my friendship with Bassanio is firm and strong. I am happy to be alive!
By Charlotte Bull 10c
