# The Merchant of Venice

By William Shakespeare.

"The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare is a play written between 1596 and 1598. When Antonio, a Venetian merchant, defaults on a loan provided by the Jewish moneylender Shylock, dire consequences loom. The debt was taken to help Antonio's friend Bassanio woo the wealthy Portia. Shylock's contract demands a shocking penalty: a pound of Antonio's flesh. Though classified as a comedy, the play is best remembered for its dramatic courtroom scenes and Shylock's famous speeches exploring humanity, mercy, and discrimination. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Subjects: Comedy plays; Jews -- Italy -- Drama; Moneylenders -- Drama; Venice (Italy) -- Drama

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From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.