PAPERBACK

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Description :

“The Merchant of Venice” is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1599. It is one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies, though it has serious and dramatic elements. Here is an overview of the play:

1. **Plot Summary**:
– **Main Characters**:
– **Antonio**: A merchant of Venice who borrows money from the Jewish moneylender Shylock.
– **Shylock**: A Jewish moneylender who lends money to Antonio with a bond that demands a pound of Antonio’s flesh if he cannot repay.
– **Portia**: A wealthy heiress who disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio.
– **Bassanio**: Antonio’s friend who borrows money to court Portia.
– **The Bond**: Bassanio needs money to woo Portia, so he asks his friend Antonio for a loan. Antonio’s funds are tied up in shipping ventures, so he borrows from Shylock, who agrees on the condition that if Antonio cannot repay, Shylock can take a pound of his flesh.
– **The Caskets**: Portia’s suitors must choose from three caskets (gold, silver, and lead) to win her hand. Bassanio chooses correctly (the lead casket) and wins Portia.
– **The Trial**: Antonio’s ships are reported lost, and he cannot repay Shylock. Shylock demands his pound of flesh. In court, Portia, disguised as a young male lawyer, argues that Shylock can have his pound of flesh but cannot shed any of Antonio’s blood, as the