Q) How does Shakespeare explore the theme of friendship?

In Shakespeare’s play “The Merchant of Venice”, Shakespeare highlights the various aspects of life and
throws light on the impact of those on a person’s life. Friendship plays a vital role in people’s life and
shapes their personality hence this play includes many examples of friendships. The two major
friendships include that of Bassanio and Antonio, and Portia and Nerissa. Both of these friendships
completely contrast with each other which makes it intriguing for the audience. As this play was set in
the Elizabethan Era, the audience observes how Shakespeare repeatedly includes examples of male
friendships as in that Era, the bond between two men was highly esteemed and prioritised over all the
other relations a man could have. Shakespeare’s purpose of providing immense significance to male
friendships is to make the play appealing to Elizabethan audiences. However, this also makes Portia and
Nerissa’s friendship more fascinating to the audience as it is the first female friendship witnessed.
Furthermore, Shakespeare even contributes to this theme through minor characters as we see many
glimpses into the friend circle of gallants which include Antonio, Bassanio, Salanio, Salarino, Gratiano and
Lorenzo. Shakespeare explores the theme of friendship through many characters in the play to
emphasise on its significance and helps in creating a light mood as many of the dark issues of the time
are addressed in the play.

Firstly, in Act 1, scene i, the first friendship that is viewed is of Salarino and Antonio. The play starts
on a melancholic note as we see that Antonio says ‘I know not why I am so sad’. Then we see that
Antonio is accompanied by two of his friends, Salarino and Salanio, and Salarino’s response to Antonio’s
sadness is that ‘[Antonio’s] mind is tossing on the ocean’. Here, the metaphor and nautical imagery
shows how Salarino is trying to justify Antonio’s sadness and is also helping Antonio find the reason for
his sadness by attempting to guess it. Then, in Salarino’s monologue we see that he makes use of various
hyperboles as he compares the ‘dangerous rocks’ touching a ship to the ‘holy edifice of stone’ and how if
he was in Antonio’s position, he would not be able to pray properly as the holy stone would remind him
of the rocks hitting his ships. Here, firstly we see the effort Salarino makes just to understand his friend's
sadness and cheer him up as he places himself in Antonio’s shoes. Then, he even exaggerates his point
so that if Antonio is actually sad about his ships, he would not feel as if it was a petty reason to be
stressed about. This highlights the theme of friendship as the efforts made by Salarino to support
Antonio are signs of true companionship and it also contributes to the theme of wealth as Antonio being
a rich merchant is worried about his money invested in the ships.

Then, the previous conversation also gives the readers an insight to Salanio and Antonio’s friendship as
Salanio, like Salarino, tries to justify Antonio’s sadness by associating it with his ships. This is evident
when he says ‘sir, had I such venture forth, The better part of my affections would Be with my hopes
abroad.’ Firstly, we see that Salanio refers to Antonio by ‘sir’ which shows how despite being frank with
each other and making jokes, all the gallants respect each other. Moreover, as Antonio is older than
Salanio that can also be a reason as to why addresses him with utmost respect. Then, here we notice the
effort Salanio makes to validate Antonio’s feelings which highlights the compassion and loyalty these
friendships hold. Then, further in the play after Jessica’s elopement, we see that Salarino comes to know
that a ship has wrecked in the ‘Narrow Seas’ and shares this with Salanio therefore, both of them
express a lot of concern as there might be a possibility that the wrecked ship is that of Antonio. This is
evident when Salanio advises Salarino to tell Antonio about the shipwreck and then adds ‘Yet do not
suddenly, for it may grieve him’. This shows the care and concern they have for Antonio and hence, focus
on the little details just so it would not make him sad any further. Thus, it emphasises on the depth of
the bond between males and how they put the tiniest bit of effort to protect each other’s happiness.

Moreover, the next ideal example of friendship is that of Gratiano and Antonio as when Antonio wears
a sorrowful expression on his face, Gratiano puts the utmost effort to cheer him up. This is evident when
he says ‘You have too much respect upon the world’. This highlights Gratiano’s concern for Antonio and
how Gratiano wants Antonio to be merry and take the worldly affairs lightly so they do not upset him.
Gratiano presents a comedic relief in the play and he even says ‘Let me play the fool’, which represents
the extent of his care for Antonio. Gratiano puts his reputation aside for his friend’s happiness as he does
not care about being people’s opinions as long as it can cheer his friend up. Shakespeare presents
various examples of male friendships so the Elizabethan audience can resonate with it as in the
Elizabethan Era, friendship between two men was considered as the most spiritual bond and was given a
lot of significance also.

Then, in Act 1, scene ii, we are introduced to the female friendship of Portia and Nerissa and we notice
the contrasting dynamics of male and female friendships. Portia is a lady of high status and Nerissa is her
waiting lady yet we see that Portia is not blinded by superiority complex and treats Nerissa respectfully.
Moreover, we see the openness and trust their friendship is established on as Portia openly shares her
emotions and opinions with Nerissa; however, the customs of a patriarchal society do impose some
limitations to the information they are allowed to share with each other. This is evident when Portia says
‘Is it not hard Nerissa that I cannot choose one, nor refuse none?’ The rhymes ‘one’ and ‘none’ depict
the extent of Portia’s sadness and how she is bound by her father’s will. Here the audience gets to see
Portia’s true feelings about the suitors as well as contributes to the development of Portia’s character.
Then, the audience observes how Nerissa successfully changes the topic and asks Portia to tell her
opinion about the different suitors, which shifts the mood of their conversation from sorrow to
humorous. Portia openly shares her views about the different suitors however when Nerissa asks Portia’s
opinion about Bassanio, she tries to hide her excitement as she says ‘I think so was he called’. Portia
excitedly mentions Bassanio’s name however the next moment, she tries her best to conceal the
excitement and eagerness in her voice. This shows the limitations in their friendship and how female
friendships in that Era did not allow women to be completely open with each other as men could be
with their friends.
 Furthermore, Antonio and Bassanio’s friendship is most significant in the play as it is given immense
focus and is continuously shown throughout the play. Antonio and Bassanio’s courtship is presented as
an excellent example for the modern audience to know about the friendships in the Elizabethan Era as
this friendship is founded on trust, loyalty and compassion. This is depicted when Antonio, who is a man
of his principles, goes against them and sacrifices his ego just for Bassanio’s sake. Bassanio is bankrupt
and hence asks Antonio for money but since all of Antonio’s wealth is invested in his ships abroad, he
tells Bassanio to get some money on loan from someone at the Rialto using Antonio’s name. Then, when
they both reach out to Shylock who is a jewish money-lender and does not like Antonio, there Antonio
says that he does not lend or borrow money on interest however ‘to supply the ripe wants of [Bassanio]
I’ll break a custom.’ The use of the word ‘custom’ shows how rigid Antonio is on his principles but when
the matter shifted to his friend, he is willing to do anything for him. This illustrates the image of what a
perfect friendship looks like in the audience’s mind; hence, Shakespeare uses Antonio and Bassanio’s
companionship to explore the theme of friendship.

Additionally, the audience is introduced to an unexpected and remarkable friendship of Jessica,

daughter of Shylock, and Lancelot, servant of Shylock, this friendship is entirely against the customs of
the society at that time and hence appeals to the audience. The Elizabethan audience might not perceive
this friendship as something good because living in a patriarchal society, women were not allowed to be
frank with other males except their husbands. This friendship is thrown light upon when Lancelot is
leaving and Jessica expresses that ‘[her] house is hell, and thou a merry devil’. The oxymoron ‘merry
devil’ shows the extent to which she hates her house and also foreshadows her elopement. By calling
Lancelot a ‘merry devil’, she means that he was the only good thing in such a house which is filled with
darkness. This shows that the loneliness and such bad circumstances of their environment have led to
their friendship as they gave each other emotional support to survive in that house. Moreover, we see
that Jessica trusts Lancelot with the letter which contains such private content as the elopement plan
which further tells the audience that despite the difference in their status, they are still friends and trust
each other with their darkest secrets without any fear of betrayal.
 Later on, Shakespeare shares a glimpse of Gratiano and Bassanio’s friendship as well as we see that in
Act 2, scene ii, Gratiano proposes the idea of him joining Bassanio in his journey to Belmont and
Bassanio agrees. This is evident when Bassanio agrees that ‘Why then, you must.’ The word ‘must’ adds
a tone of certainty and confirmation which shows how Bassanio can not deny his friends; however, he is
well aware that the company of Gratiano’s foolish nature might affect his chances of wooing Portia.
Then, the caesura after ‘must’ perhaps further emphasises on the evident tone with which he speaks
this statement. This small incident presents as an example to the audience as it shows the significance of
friendship being greater than that of love and also represents the sacrifices one should make in order to
protect his friend’s happiness. Moreover, we also see how Bassanio accepts Gratiano’s humorous and
high-spirited nature which again shows signs of true companionship.

Lastly, we see the camaraderie between Salarino, Gratiano and Lorenzo as when Lorenzo is coming
with Jessica, Gratiano and Salarino are patiently waiting for him. This is evident when Salarino says that
Lorenzo’s ‘hour is almost past’.This shows how Lorenzo’s friends are there for him and support his
decision. Later on, we see that Lorenzo says to Gratiano and Salarino that when you are the ones trying
to steal your wives, ‘I’ll watch as long for you then’. This highlights the brotherhood between the gallants
as it shows how each of them is there for one another. Another example of this is when we see that not
only do these gallants support one another but also show respect to one another and this is evident
when Salarino and Salanio leave Antonio as Bassanio comes and Antonio bids them farewell with utmost
respect as he says ‘Your worth is very dear in my regard’. This depicts how all of the gallants are perfect
examples of true friends and consider brotherhood as their most crucial relationship and are willing to
do anything for their friends.

In conclusion, William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" vividly explores the multifaceted theme
of friendship. Through characters like Antonio and Bassanio, the play delves into the complexities of
loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds that friendship forges. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes
evident that true friendship transcends societal barriers and withstands the tests of time. In the tapestry
of this classic work, Shakespeare intricately weaves a portrayal of friendship that serves as a timeless
reminder of its enduring power and significance in the human experience. However, these bonds are
tested further in the play as they are met with obstacles presented by the circumstances.