Merchant of Venice the Strongest

Merchant of Venice

The strongest manifestation of friendship in Shakespeare's the Merchant of Venice is between Antonio and Bassanio. The former risks his life to loan Bassanio money, and Bassanio returns the favor by valiantly rescuing Antonio during the climactic trial scene. However, Bassanio did not go it alone: Portia, Nerissa, and Grazanio all prove the bonds of their friendship in Venice. Portia, in fact, does the most for her beau's best friend by disguising herself as a man and taking it upon herself to plea Antonio's case. When she does so, Portia assumes full responsibility for Antonio's life. Risking her dignity and Antonio's life, Portia demonstrates not only friendship but an exceptional amount of honor. Portia's honor is further enhanced by her obedience to her father's strange desire that her future husband pick one of three caskets. The seemingly arbitrary task takes on a mystical significance in the play, proving that Bassanio and Portia are soul mates and destined to be together. Thus, when Bassanio seems to dishonor Portia by relinquishing the ring, she forgives him. Likewise, Nerissa forgives her Grazanio for the same discretion and the two couples exemplify both friendship and honor.

The Merchant of Venice is filled with models of idealized friendship. The play opens with a scene during which Antonio comfortably confides in several of his male friends including Salerio and Solanio. Salerio and Solanio serve as symbols of eternal friendship in Shakespeare's play because the two seem inseparable by always appearing together and being mentioned together as if they were one person. Indeed, they share the same role as lifelong companions to their male friends. Not only do they offer sound and honest advice to the brooding Antonio, Salerio and Solanio also stand up for Antonio during the trial, sticking up for him and disparaging his foe, Shylock.

Shylock makes for a curious character in the Merchant of Venice. He is denied acceptance into the mainstream Christian society in Venice, because as a Jew he is viewed as an outsider, even as evil. Shylock is also perceived and portrayed as an enemy of the Christian faith and as the nemesis of the play's protagonist, Antonio. He therefore serves a distinct literary purpose by contrasting the depth of friendship exhibited by Antonio's group. Because he is not viewed as a friend, he cannot truly betray any of them. Thus, when Shylock does not back down from his bond with Antonio he is merely saving his own honor and dignity. Shylock repeatedly mentions his mistreatment at the hands of Antonio and the other Christians in Venice. They did not treat him as a friend and therefore Shylock does not act out of kindness or mercy. Shylock is never shown to betray those close to him: notably his daughter Jessica and his assistant Lancelot. On the other hand, Jessica and Lancelot both abandon Shylock. Jessica dishonors her father more so because of her ready decision to deny her Jewish faith and heritage in Act II, iii. Shylock therefore retains his honor by proving that to those that honor him, he remains loyal.