"Despite the company of his friends Salerio and Solanio, Antonio the 'merchant of Venice' is sad."
"They cannot find the reason for his melancholy, and neither can Gratiano, Lorenzo and Bassanio when they arrive on the scene."
" "
"When the others leave, Bassanio makes his pitch for Antonio to make him further loans, to enable him to travel to Belmont to woo the rich and lovely heiress Portia in suitable style."
" "
"Antonio is glad to oblige, but explains that his money is all invested in trading ventures. However he assures Bassanio that he will guarantee any loan he makes elsewhere."
6
"*Scene 1 - Commentary"
"This scene very quickly introduces two of the main characters, Antonio and Bassanio, and leads us directly into the main plot with Bassanio's request for a loan and Antonio's offer to act as guarantor."
" "
"We immediately see the great friendship that exists between these two - a pointer to one of the major themes of the play."
" "
"We also meet the lively and bawdy character of Gratiano."
8
"*Scene 2"
"In Belmont, Portia and her maid Nerissa are discussing the many suitors who have arrived to woo the rich heiress."
"As Nerissa names each one, Portia wittily reveals her distaste for him as a potential husband."
" "
"She also tells us the terms of her father's will; that she will be married to the man who chooses correctly from the three caskets of gold, silver and lead."
"Although Portia fears being won by someone she dislikes, Nerissa has faith that the strange method of choosing a husband will work."
" "
"Fortunately most of these suitors have already left."
8
"*Scene 2 (Cont.)"
"At the end of the scene, Nerissa mentions Bassanio's name, and Portia agrees that he would make a worthy husband."
" "
"*Scene 2 - Commentary"
"This scene contrasts in place and content with the previous one."
"The sub-plot (the story of the caskets) is introduced and we meet Portia, who was described so glowingly by Bassanio in the previous scene."
" "
"The apparent friendship between Portia and Nerissa is interesting, as is Portia's sparkling wit (although she reveals inherent racism at the end of the scene)."
8
"*Scene 3"
"Bassanio arranges a loan from Shylock, a despised Jewish usurer (money-lender)."
"Shylock pretends to be reluctant, but reveals to the audience that he is seeking a chance to gain revenge on Antonio, who has treated him poorly and who despises him."
" "
"Antonio does not dispute Shylock's claims of ill-treatment, and even adds that he will continue in the same way."
"Shylock proposes as 'a merry sport' a bond in which Antonio will have to forfeit a pound of flesh if he does not repay the loan on time."
" "
"Despite this, Antonio is confident enough and the loan is made."
8
"*Scene 3 - Commentary"
"The 'bond' plot is quickly developed here, and we meet Shylock, the last of the major characters to be introduced."
"He is an interesting character, a villain who is allowed some humanity. We can feel sorry for him, if Antonio's treatment is typical of how he is treated."
"He is also clever, or cunning, in the way in which he draws both Bassanio and Antonio, into the loan."
" "
"Notice also, Antonio's strong prejudice."
" "
"Another contrast to the preceding scene, this emphasises the vast differences between the worlds of Venice and Belmont."
