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The Merchant Of Venice

By William Shakespeare
Series: The Arden Shakespeare Third Series
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Merchant of Venice is a Shakespearean play set in Renaissance Venice and revolves around Antonio, a merchant, who borrows money from the Jewish moneylender Shylock to help his friend Bassanio pursue the wealthy heiress Portia. The plot unfolds as Shylock seeks a harsh penalty in the form of a "pound of flesh" when the loan cannot be repaid. Themes of mercy, justice, and the complexities of human behaviour are explored throughout the story.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2899
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this classic work if you're intrigued by themes of justice, revenge, and mercy set against the backdrop of a vivid Venetian world. This work delves into complex human emotions and relationships, offering a mix of dramatic tension, humour, and memorable characters. It's a compelling exploration of cultural and societal themes that continue to resonate today.

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The Merchant Of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most problematic plays, largely because of what is seen as its inherent anti-semitism. At the centre of the play is one of the most famous anti-heroes in Shakespeare: Shylock 'the Jew'. How to interpret Shylock baffles critics as they divide on whether Shakespeare is prejudiced or sympathetic.

The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most problematic plays, largely because of what is seen as its inherent anti-semitism. At the centre of the play is one of the most famous anti-heroes in Shakespeare: Shylock 'the Jew'. How to interpret Shylock baffles critics as they divide on whether Shakespeare is prejudiced or sympathetic.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Merchant of Venice is perhaps most associated not with its titular hero, Antonio, but with the complex figure of the money lender, Shylock. The play was described as a comedy in the First Folio, but modern audiences find it more problematic to categorise. The vilification of Shylock 'the Jew' can be very uncomfortable for a post-Holocaust audience, and debates continue as to whether Shakespeare's portrayal of this complex man is sympathetic or anti-Semitic.

John Drakakis' comprehensive introduction traces the stage history of the figure of the Jew and looks boldly at twenty-first century issues surrounding it. He also explores other themes of the play, such as father-daughter relations, the power of money, and the forceful character of Portia, to offer readers an energetic, original, and revelatory reading of this challenging play.

Series: The Arden Shakespeare Third Series

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare weaves themes of justice, mercy and revenge, with a compelling examination of anti-Semitism through the character Shylock. Reviewers often praise its complex characterisation and dramatic tension, while acknowledging its challenging themes that continue to provoke discussion. Its rich language and exploration of human nature have cemented it as a timeless piece in literature, inviting both admiration and controversy.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781903436813

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 February 2011

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The Arden Shakespeare

Illustration: 20 in Introduction

Contributors:

  • Edited by Professor John Drakakis

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 495g

Pages: 480

Collections

Arts & Culture Non-Fiction Series: The Arden Shakespeare Third Series William Shakespeare

About the Author

John Drakakis is Professor of English Studies at the University of Stirling, Scotland.

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