Merchant of venice as a romantic comedy. "The Merchant of Venice" as a Comedy 2022-10-31

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The play "The Merchant of Venice," by William Shakespeare, is often classified as a romantic comedy. While there are certainly elements of romance and comedic moments throughout the play, it is important to also consider the serious themes and conflicts present in the work.

At its core, "The Merchant of Venice" is a story about the relationship between two friends, Antonio and Bassanio, and the lengths to which Antonio is willing to go to help Bassanio win the hand of Portia, a wealthy heiress. This romantic plot forms the backbone of the play and provides much of the comedic relief. For example, Portia's suitors must choose between three caskets, with the one who chooses correctly being deemed worthy of Portia's hand in marriage. This setup provides numerous opportunities for humorous misunderstandings and mistaken identities.

However, the play also explores more serious themes, including issues of racism, justice, and the dangers of greed. The character of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is subjected to discrimination and mistreatment by the other characters throughout the play. The conflict between Shylock and Antonio, which ultimately leads to a courtroom scene, raises important questions about the nature of justice and mercy.

Ultimately, while "The Merchant of Venice" may have elements of a romantic comedy, it also delves into deeper, more complex themes that make it much more than just a simple love story. Its portrayal of romantic relationships is nuanced and multifaceted, and its exploration of issues such as racism and justice make it a rich and thought-provoking work of literature.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE : ONE OF THE MOST WIDELY STAGED ROMANTIC

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

Now they are still in love, but he is banished from Verona. When they finally return to Venice, their fantastic and magical atmosphere accompanies them and this gives Antonio a moment of rescue by Nerissa and Portia. Shylock also has only hated for his enemies, which creates a closed circle of hate. Starting a legal battle against Antonio, Shylock, who hates Antonio, remains relentless. The bond story links Bassanio and Portia to Shylock through Antonio, the merchant. So he asked his closest friend Antonio if he could borrow some money from him. The Merchant of Venice is a comedy with a difference.

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The Merchant of Venice as a Romantic Comedy

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

But music also adds another dimension to the play and conveys ideas, which cannot be well put forth in the verbal form. Shakespeare follows this closely but has complicated the basic pattern in The Merchant of Venice,wherein he skillfully weaves together four separate stories, all interconnected. He succeeds even though he uses the money from the Jewish Shylock and is driven in a rented limousine. However, the problem with the poor contract Shylock drafted was that he could take a pound of flesh and no blood. He gives a conflict and the characters solve it in a classical way that carries the reader to the end.

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Is The Merchant of Venice a romantic comedy? If so, why?

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

In most Shakespeare compendiums, The Merchant of Venice is classified as a comedy. Michigan: Gale Research Co, 2003. He expects us to accept that the characters fall in love with each other as well. New York: Simon ; Schuster, 2004. In a romantic comedy the necessary conflict is between the lovers on one hand and some barrier to the fulfillment of their love on the other.


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"The Merchant of Venice" as a Comedy

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

This statement portrays Shylock as a naïve and comical character, hence creating a comical effect in the play. Disguise was used to generate humour. Portia here is the epitome of wit, courage and adventure. The friendship of Bassanio and Antonio is contrasted with that of Shylock and Tubal. It actually is the umbrella of other sub-themes, which are love of friends, love of family and love of lovers.

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The Merchant of Venice: A Romantic Comedy

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

They also had a tragic strain in them. We can trace the origin of Comedy to Dionysis- the Greek God of Wine who was hilarious, satirical and irreverent in spirit. He loses everything from his children to his possessions. Instead of blaming her fate that does not let her enjoy the bliss of marital life she plunges herself wholeheartedly in the rescue of Antonio. Only Bassanio has chosen the right casket, and the first two gentlemen have made a wrong decision because they have been led my poor intentions. Most of them were set on a foreign canvas and dealt with either business or domestic affairs of the Merchant class. At the end, Portia argues in the favour of Antonio and that both the parties must abide to the contract.

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Discuss The Merchant of Venice as a romantic comedy

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

The hero of the Flesh Bond story is rescues by the heroine of the Casket story who was in the first place the reason that the flesh bond was signed. But then again we have to accept certain things, if Portia is the heroine then Bassanio would by default becomes the hero. Some people see the appeal for tolerance in the plot as Shylock can also be seen as a sensitive and vulnerable person and a playable character. However , he did not have the means to pay for his travel to Belmont, to woo her. After all, literature is meant to reflect the different things that are happening in the realities of society.

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The Merchant Of Venice As A Romantic Comedy

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

He created the most vivid characters of the Elizabethan stage. As Shylock pursues his gruesome repayment, Antonio remains in a defeated and dreary state. Though Portia tells Antonio that his merchant fleet is poised to reap, he does not take that as an encouragement. I am a Jew. Romantic comedy in Merchant of Venice Although But Shakespeare allows her a moment of delicate expression of her sentiments through the songs that she chooses to play while Bassanio is engaged in the scrutiny of the Caskets, Love-affair between Portia and Bassanjo is bound up with family duties and bonds of friendship. Shylock makes bright speeches in defense of people of his nationality. Antonio has to borrow from him against his wish despite knowing Shylock hates him and would use this opportunity against him.


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'The Merchant of Venice' has been reimagined from a comedy into a tragedy. Here's why you should see it

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

A Black actor playing Shylock adds a new layer to the prejudice in the play So what happens when you cast a Black actor as Shylock? New York: Simon ; Schuster, 2004. With the intrusion of melancholic characters there is a tragic possibility in most comedies. Given the fact that a comedy ends in a happy ending, it is quite evident that Portia disguised as a doctor of law manages to convince the Duke of Venice to rule in favor of Antonio. The impulse of true loves moves his to choose the lead casket! To prove such a point of view, some people mention the trial at the end of the writing piece that is basically being a mockery of justice. The strongest argument that discounts the play as true comedy is the appearance of Antonio as a protagonist and he appears to be very far from the magic circle just as Shylock, the villain, is.

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Free Essay: romance and comedy in merchant of venice

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

Venice was probably an evocative name for the Elizabethans and was a source of inspiration. Well, this new Off-Broadway production of The Merchant of Venice is going to find out. The ring story is the fourth complication--most minor of all--in which Portia and Nerissa wear disguises and force their lovers to give up their wedding rings. Early productions had Shylock portrayed with a hooked nose. And during the 16th C there were no female actors. And there seem to be several levels of friendship represented throughout the play.

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The Merchant Of Venice As A Romantic Comedy [qn85852ep2n1]

merchant of venice as a romantic comedy

We can trace the origin of Comedy to Dionysis- the Greek God of Wine who was hilarious, satirical and irreverent in spirit. Shylock is notably the most sought-after role in The Merchant of Venice. It emphasizes the dissonance we can face between appearance and inner character. Although there is a considerable amount of thoughts to ponder on whether the play is really a tragedy or a comedy, the play will reveal whether it is the former or the latter in the manner of which perspective it is looked at. Audiences tend to get restless with too much of speech and music was used to alleviate this condition.

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