Jayson Karuna

The Merchant of Venice

An unknown philosopher once said, “True friendship is seen through the heart, not
through the eyes.”In the play “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare
friendship presents itself in many of the relationships. Throughout the play Bassanio and
Antonio would do anything for each other. Their companionship provides an excellent model
of people who prosper in life because they each have a relationship that contains
friendship. When they have an obstacle in front of them, together they can overcome it
for the better of both of them. In contrast, the relationship of Antonio and Shylock
demonstrates a relationship’s foundation based upon hatred. Their disgust for each other’s
religion and lifestyle put them in life altering circumstances. These situations occur
because hatred consumes them and leads them on a destructive path of bad judgment.
William Shakespeare juxtaposes Antonio and Bassanio with Antonio and Shylock to support
relationships based upon friendship.

Antonio and Bassanio’s friendship exhibits itself very quickly in the beginning of
Act one. Bassanio incredibly desires to woo the likes of Portia. Unfortunately he does not
have the funds to get there for his chance for love. He then goes to his dear friend,
Antonio, in order to fulfill the money he needs for his quest. After Bassanio obscurely
hints towards a favor, Antonio implores, “I pray you, good Bassanio, let me know it;/And if
it stand, as you yourself still do,/Within the eye of honour, be assur'd/My purse, my
person, my extremest means,/Lie all unlock'd to your occasions” (1.1.142-146). Antonio’s
willingness to do anything for Bassanio contrasts sharply with Antonio’s loathing and
discrimination towards Shylock. Antonio would do absolutely anything for Bassanio,
regardless of how enduring it may be. Clearly, Antonio and Bassanio’s relationship revolves
around being selfless and supportive to each other. The reader can clearly infer
Shakespeare’s lesson in this example. When a person has a friend willing to do absolutely
anything for them, they have the opportunity to thrive at any obstacle or endeavor. The
financial assistance given to Bassanio by Antonio awards him the love of his dreams. At the
same time, it gives Antonio the glee of seeing a friend content because of his own actions.
Thus, through the example of Antonio’s behavior, Shakespeare shows how a tender bond
based upon friendship can enhance the lives of many. Antonio agrees to a treacherous deal
in which his own flesh meets risk. Antonio does not worry because he knows that much
money will be granted to him through his merchant ships. Unfortunately word gets out that
none of the ships made it, therefore, Antonio must comply with Shylock’s demand. Bassanio
rushes to his court appearance and give the hefty sum of money Portia has given to him to
Shylock in exchange for Antonio’s life. After Shylock does not conform his bond and wants
his rightful pound of flesh, Bassanio bellows, “Antonio, I am married to a wife/Which is as
dear to me as life itself; /But life itself, my wife, and all the world, /Are not with me
esteem'd above thy life; /I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all/Here to this devil, to
deliver you.”(4.1.294-298). Bassanio’s compassion and empathetic reaction to Antonio’s
impediment severely contrasts with Shylock’s utter disregard to Antonio’s life as he gets
ready to take it. Bassanio seeks to give up his own dear wife he just wed, in order to save
Antonio. He rather meet his own demise, then let Antonio confront his own downfall.
Clearly, Bassanio and Antonio’s relationship contains a mutual respect and concern for each
other’s well being. The reader can clearly infer Shakespeare’s lesson in this example. When
a friend can show compassion and concern over another friend’s predicament, problems can
be resolved. If it was not for Bassanio’s overwhelming grief about Antonio’s soon to be
demise, Portia would not ever have gotten involved in the case. Therefore, Antonio’s life
would never have been saved by the ingenious “Balthazar”. Thus, through the example of
Bassanio’s behavior, Shakespeare shows how compassion between friends can lessen the
dramatic consequences of a dilemma.

Shylock and Antonio despise each other throughout the entire play. Their
conflicting religions and beliefs play a great role in their hatred. Antonio often disrespects
Shylock by treating him like a dog and spiting on him because of his Jewish background.
Antonio seeks a money loan from Shylock to give to help out Bassanio. Then Shylock brings
up all the times Antonio insulted him and gave him grief. After Shylock finishes with his
sarcastic wit and venting, Antonio asserts, I am as like to call thee so again,/To spit on
thee again, to spurn thee too./If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not/As to thy friends-
for when did friendship take/A breed for barren metal of his friend?”(1.3.140-144).
Antonio’s discriminative and detesting response to Shylock’s rant contrasts heavily with
Antonio’s willingness to help Bassanio. Antonio will not change his insulting ways towards
Shylock, even if he gives him a loan. This reveals a lot about how much hate surfaces
between their relationships. Clearly, Antonio feels that no matter what happens between
them, Antonio will be a Jew who uses usury. Therefore, he is inferior to everyone else. The
reader can precisely infer Shakespeare’s lesson in this example. When a person torments
others because of prejudice reasons, they will end up in profound predicaments not in
their favor. Thus, through the example of Antonio, Shakespeare shows the overwhelming
consequences of a person discriminating and showing hatred to others based on their
differing religion. Shylock’s bond with Antonio has been one of the main factors in the
play. The bond situation concludes in the court house. Initially, Antonio’s life seems awfully
well in jeopardy. Circumstances change once Balthazar/Portia arrives at the court house.
Before Balthazar masters Shylock with his wit, he originally asks Shylock for mercy. After
Balthazar’s extended metaphor about mercy and justice, Shylock retorts, “My deeds upon
my head. I crave the law, /The penalty, and forfeit of my bond.” (4.1.213-214). Shylock’s
unmerciful and obdurate response to Portia’s plea of mercy for Antonio contrasts
incredibly with Antonio’s eagerness to give a loan to Bassanio after he already had a debt
with him. Shylock’s harsh punishment for Antonio and inability to mitigate his punishment
towards him reveals much of the loathing in their relationship. Clearly, Shylock feels that
inflicting pain to Antonio is a much better decision than granting him mercy. The reader
can clearly articulate Shakespeare’s lesson in this example. When a person does not show
mercy when it is presented to them, they will receive no mercy when it is presented to
others. Thus, through the example of Shylock, Shakespeare showcases the penalties
received when forgiveness does not play a role in one’s decisions.

Many people today judge others based on religion, race, or their personal beliefs.
Shakespeare, however, teaches the reader to view others in a different way. Through the
characters of Shylock, Antonio, and Bassanio, the reader perceives the benefits of having
a relationship of friendship. Hatred and prejudice in one’s relationship leads to pain.
Shakespeare’s lesson is clear: relationships full of friendship can overcome any obstacle.
Despite many people having relationships full of detestation and no remorse for others,
one should have a relationship based on positivity.