CliffsComplete The Merchant of Venice (Cliffs Notes S.) - Softcover

Shakespeare, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764585754 ISBN 13: 9780764585753

Publisher: Mariner Books, 2000

Synopsis

In the CliffsComplete guides, the novel′s complete text and a glossary appear side–by–side with coordinating numbered lines to help you understand unusual words and phrasing. You′ll also find all the commentary and resources of a standard CliffsNotes for Literature. CliffsComplete The Merchant of Venice offers insight and information into a work that′s rich both dramatically and thematically. Every generation since Shakespeare′s time has been able to identify with some thematic aspect of the play. Discover what happens to a young merchant who cannot repay a debt to a vindictive money lender; meet the menacing Shylock, one of the most vivid and memorable characters in Shakespeare′s works — and save valuable studying time — all at once. Enhance your reading of The Merchant of Venice with these additional features: A summary and insightful commentary for each act Bibliography and historical background on the author, William Shakespeare A look at Early Modern English intellect, religion, politics, and society Coverage of Shakespeare′s source and the play′s performance history A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters Review questions, a quiz, discussion guide, and activity ideas A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Web sites Streamline your literature study with all–in–one help from CliffsComplete guides!

About this title

Review

"Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?" Shylock's impassioned plea in the middle of The Merchant of Venice is one of its most dramatic moments. After the Holocaust, the play has become a battleground for those who argue that the play represents Shakespeare's ultimate statement against ignorance and anti-Semitism in favour of a liberal vision of tolerance and multiculturalism. Other critics have pointed out that the play is, after all, a comedy that ultimately pokes fun at a 16th-century Jew. In fact, the bare outline of the plot suggests that the play is far more complex than either of these characterisations. Bassanio, a feckless young Venetian, asks his wealthy friend, the merchant Antonio, for money to finance a trip to woo the beautiful Portia in Belmont. Reluctant to refuse his friend (to whom he professes intense love), Antonio borrows the money from the Jewish moneylender. If he reneges on the deal, Shylock jokingly demands a pound of his flesh. When all Antonio's ships are lost at sea, Shylock calls in his debt, and the love and laughter of the first scenes of the play threaten to give way to death and tragedy. The final climactic courtroom scene, complete with a cross-dressed Portia, a knife-wielding Shylock, and the debate on "the quality of mercy" is one of the great dramatic moments in Shakespeare. The controversial subject matter of the play ensures that it continues to repel, divide but also fascinate its many audiences. --Jerry Brotton

Review

"Handy, reliable, altogether excellent...with introductions that truly cover everything and notes that explain all that needs to be explained."--Bibliotheque d'Humanisme et Renaissance "Handy, reliable, altogether excellent...with introductions that truly cover everything and notes that explain all that needs to be explained."--Bibliotheque d'Humanisme et Renaissance "Handy, reliable, altogether excellent...with introductions that truly cover everything and notes that explain all that needs to be explained."--Bibliotheque d'Humanisme et Renaissance "Handy, reliable, altogether excellent...with introductions that truly cover everything and notes that explain all that needs to be explained."--Bibliotheque d'Humanisme et Renaissance

Edition details

• Publisher: Mariner Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0764585754
• ISBN 13: 9780764585753
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 218