"Our first impressions of Bassanio may be of a rather irresponsible young man. He admits that he has lived beyond his means on the money he has previously borrowed from Antonio."
"Moreover, he borrows again (putting his friend's life at stake into the bargain) on the rather frail assumption that"
"*I should questionless be fortunate. (I,1)"
" "
"However, there is obviously more to his character than that, for he is popular with the other important characters in the play, notably Antonio, his closest friend, and Portia, who obviously fell for him at their first meeting."
"Nerissa also refers to him as:"
"* ...a scholar and a soldier..."
6
"In fact, we don't really see Bassanio in the role of either scholar or soldier in the play, although he does reveal a depth of thought in his choice of the right casket and a liveliness of wit in the courtroom quarrel with Shylock."
"However, it is his deep love for his friend,Antonio, that most distinguishes him."
"He is obviously infatuated with Portia and overjoyed at having won her hand, but he is prepared to abandon her to go to the rescue of Antonio."
" "
"Once again, Antonio wins at the expense of Portia, when Bassanio is persuaded by him to part with his ring."
"The friendship between these two noble Venetians is the focus of one of the most important themes of the play. (See THEMES)"
10
"Somewhere between the opening scene of the play and the final Act, Bassanio seems to mature from an irresposible youth into a mature and charming man."
"Portia accepts him instantly as her husband when he chooses the correct casket and entrusts all her wealth to him."
" "
"*QUOTES"
"*Bassanio about himself"
"To you, Antonio,"
"I owe the most in money and in love; (I,1)"
" "
"Let me choose,"
"For as I am, I live upon the rack. (III,2)"
10
"*QUOTES (Cont.)"
"*Antonio about Bassanio"
"..... if it stand as you yourself do,"
"Within the eye of honour"
" "
"*Nerissa about Bassanio"
"He, of all the men that ever my foolish eyes looked upon, was the best deserving a fair lady."
