[55], The rock musical Fire Angel was based on the story of the play, with the scene changed to the Little Italy district of New York. Shylock refuses Bassanio's offer of 6,000 ducats, twice the amount of the loan. Just as Shylock is about to start cutting again, Portia says that the bond does not give him permission to shed Antonio's blood. Shylock, unable to comply with this stipulation, decides to withdraw his case. It is the basis of the text published in the 1623 First Folio, which adds a number of stage directions, mainly musical cues.[6]. Lecture by James Shapiro: "Shakespeare and the Jews". Antonio has already antagonized Shylock through his outspoken antisemitism and because Antonio's habit of lending money without interest forces Shylock to charge lower rates. That’s true, and with good reason. Salerio. How doth that royal merchant, good Antonio? (4.1.87). Both Antonio and Shylock, agreeing to put Antonio's life at a forfeit, stand outside the normal bounds of society. Antonio's frustrated devotion is a form of idolatry: the right to live is yielded for the sake of the loved one. He is unable to provide a good reason for wanting to punish Antonio in this manner, other than to say, "So can I give no reason, nor I will not, / More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing / I bear Antonio" (4.1.58-60). The characters who berated Shylock for dishonesty resort to trickery in order to win. In addition, the life of the foreigner will be in the hands of the Duke, who may decide to do whatever he wants to. The doctor is Portia in disguise, and the law clerk who accompanies her is Nerissa, also disguised as a man. Shylock is furious with Antonio, whom he blames for the loss of Jessica, and also bears an older … All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. The essence of doubling is reinforced even more with the double exclusion of the two men at the end of the play. In order to satisfy the debt, Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh. Are not with me esteemed above thy life; When did Shakespeare write The Merchant of... Antonio in Merchant of Venice: Character Traits, Analysis & Quotes, Portia in The Merchant of Venice: Character Analysis, Monologue & Quotes, Shakespeare's Shylock: Character Sketch, Analysis & Monologue, Introduction to Shakespeare: Life and Works, As You Like It by Shakespeare: Summary, Analysis & Characters, Bradbury's All Summer in a Day: Summary & Analysis, Hearts and Hands by O. Henry: Theme & Analysis, Hearts and Hands by O. Henry: Summary & Characters, Frost at Midnight by Coleridge: Summary & Critical Analysis, The Little Match Girl: Characters & Analysis, The Little Match Seller: Summary & Characters, She Walks in Beauty by Byron: Analysis, Theme & Interpretation, Dusk by Saki: Summary, Characters & Analysis, Little Women: Summary, Characters & Author, Short Stories: Study Guide & Homework Help, Fairy Tales & Fables: Study Guide & Homework Help, The Short Stories of Oscar Wilde: Study Guide & Homework Help, HiSET Language Arts - Reading: Prep and Practice, HiSET Language Arts - Writing: Prep and Practice, 9th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, 11th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, Biological and Biomedical Granville cut the clownish Gobbos[22] in line with neoclassical decorum; he added a jail scene between Shylock and Antonio, and a more extended scene of toasting at a banquet scene. Portia gives Nerissa the deed by which Shylock will pass his inheritance to Lorenzo. One of the great ironies of this play is where Shylock calls Portia, "A Daniel come to judgment, yea, a Daniel!" Though based in part on Shakespeare's play, it was also based on, This was the first "big-screen" adaption of the play.