GRATITUDE AND COURTESY IN SHAKESPEARE’S THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

MrS.P.SANTHALAKSHMI Head, Department of English

Abstract

This paper attempts to enlighten the Gratitude and courtesy of Antonio in the Merchant of Venice. Bassanio borrowed money from Antonio and he hasn’t paid it back, again he asks money from him. Even though Antonio’s money is tied up in the ships, he helped Bassanio by borrowing money from Shylock. Shylock lends the money to Antonio and insists him to pay at the specified date otherwise he may take a pound of Antonio's flesh. Antonio accepts the condition. With money at hand Bassanio went to Belmont and married Portia. After a while he received a letter that Antonia was unable to pay the loan. So Shylock has brought Antonia before the court. Antonio a man with Gratitude and Courtesy saved him from the evil bond. Portia disguise herself as a lawyer and argued and saved the life of Antonio

Keywords: Courtesy, Gratitude, A pound of flesh, Evil bond, injustice

Introduction The William Shakespeare has written the play “The Merchant of Venice” in the 16th century as a romantic comedy. In this play Antonio is a wealthy Venetian merchant. Antonia's friend Bassanio already borrowed money from him; he didn't return the money. Again Bassanio need money to court Portia, a wealthy heiress who lives in the city of Belmont. Antonia agrees but now he is unable to make money himself because his own money was invested in a number of trade ships that were still at sea. Antonia suggests Bassanio to secure the loan from the moneylender Shylock and he himself as the loan's guarantor. Shylock offers Basssanio three thousand ducats with no interest upon one condition, if Bassanio is unable to repay the money at the specific time, he may take a pound of Antonia's flesh. Bassanio refuses Antonia not to accept the deal but Antonio accept the condition and signed the contract. Bassanio with the money moves to Belmont with his friend Gratiano to court Portia. At the time Jewish Shylock's daughter Jessica eloped with Antonia's friend Lorernzo and converted to christian. Finally Bassanio selected the correct casket which is made of lead. Portia rejoice and give Bassanio a ring as a token of love. At Venice, Antonia has indeed lost his ships, so he can't repay the bond. Shylock had become more determined to take revenge against Antonia because of the incident of his daughter elopement with his friend; he brought Antonia before the court. The messenger informs to Bassanio that Antonia is unable to repay the loan from Shylock. Suddenly Portia handover some money to her husband to save Antonia. Bassanio offers six thousand ducats twice the amount to Shylock.Shylock refuses the money from Bassanio and demands a pound of flesh from Antonia. Portia disguises as a young lawyer, enters the court to argue with Shylock and ask mercy to Antonia. Shylock adamantly reacted and insists the pound of flesh of Antonia. Portia finally says Shylock to remove the flesh and not the drop of blood should be spilled. Finally Shylock was trapped by this logic. Shylock requests the duke that he completely drops this case against Antonia. Portia refused the request of Shylock and explained the law of Venice that half of his wealth is to be given to the man against whom he or she conspired and half of the wealth is taken by the state that any foreigner conspires against the life of Venetian. Shylock informed to the duke, he would prefer to death rather than losing all his property.

Conclusion Hence, Portia saved the life of Antonia. Antonia insists not to seize Shylock's property as a punishment for conspirator against him. Antonio suggests Shylock to be Merciful. The gratitude of Antonio towards Shylock makes him a good human being as well as mercy achieves Justice.. Antonio suggests Shylock to convert into Christian and also his property be willed to Lorenzo and Jessica upon the death. This merciful judgement provides a rare glimpse at the inherent greatness and fallibility of the human soul. The courtesy and gratitude of Antonio shows the greatness of his character makes him succeed in his life and removing all his hurdles in the walks of life. The loyalty and friendship of Antonio towards his servants also shows his gratitude. Antonio is the man who sets standard in his life by taking risk in both business as well as friendship and at last he deserves to be an Eponymous hero in this play.

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