The Merchant of Venice (Collins Classics) - Softcover

Shakespeare, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007925476 ISBN 13: 9780007925476

Publisher: William Collins, 2013

Synopsis

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'The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven’

Bassiano, a noble Venetian, hopes to woo the beautiful heiress Portia. However, he requires financial assistance from his friend Antonio. Antonio agrees, but he, in turn, must borrow from the Jewish moneylender Shylock. As recourse for past ills, Shylock stipulates that the forfeit on the loan must be a pound of Antonio’s flesh. In the most renowned onstage law scene of all time, Portia proves herself one of Shakespeare’s most cunning heroines, disguising herself as a lawyer and vanquishing Shylock’s claims; meanwhile, Shylock triumphs on a humanitarian level with his plea for tolerance: ‘Hath not a Jew eyes?’

Viewed paradoxically as anti-Semitic, while at the same time powerfully liberal for its time, The Merchant of Venice is at its core a bittersweet drama, exploring the noble themes of prejudice, justice and honour.

About this title

About the Author:

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright the world has seen. He produced an astonishing amount of work; 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 5 poems. He died on 23rd April 1616, aged 52, and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Collins
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0007925476
• ISBN 13: 9780007925476
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160