Plot Summary: The Merchant of Venice

Antonio and Bassanio (two Christian merchants) ask Shylock (a Jewish

moneylender) for a loan of money. The two merchants have often been

unkind to Shylock because of his religion. Shylock agrees to lend Bassanio

money, on the condition that he will be entitled to a pound of Antonio’s

flesh should the loan go unpaid.

Bassanio is in love with a beautiful and intelligent woman called Portia. He

passes the test Portia’s dead father has left for his daughter’s suitors, and

they agree to be married. Just then, the couple receive terrible news. All of

Antonio’s ships have been lost at sea. He will not be able to pay his loan

back and Shylock will be able to claim the pound of flesh.

There is a trial to decide the matter. Shylock is determined to get his pound

of flesh from Antonio, saying that this payment is rightfully his. Just then, a

legal expert appears at the trial. The legal expert is really Portia is disguise.

After making a speech about mercy, Portia

looks at the contract and announces that Shylock is entitled to his pound of

flesh. She reminds him, however, that the contract does not mention any

blood. Shylock can take his payment only if he does not spill any blood in

the process. Shylock quickly decides to accept the money he has been

offered, but Portia insists that he can have the flesh or nothing.

Portia accuses Shylock of trying to murder a Venetian citizen. This means

that he must give half of his property to the state and the other half to

Antonio. The Duke spares Shylock’s life and says he can keep the state’s

half of the property, but must pay a fine. Antonio says that Shylock can

keep his property, but he must convert to Christianity.

The play ends with Bassanio and Portia celebrating their love and good

fortune, along with Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, and her husband Lorenzo.

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