The Merchant of Venice

William Shakespeare

May 2016 · Author's Republic · Narrated by Elizabeth Klett

About this audiobook

William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice was probably written between 1596 and 1598, and was printed with the comedies in the First Folio of 1623. Bassanio, an impoverished gentleman, uses the credit of his friend, the merchant Antonio, to borrow money from a wealthy Jew, Shylock. Antonio pledges to pay Shylock a pound of flesh if he defaults on the loan, which Bassanio will use to woo a rich heiress, Portia. A subplot concerns the elopement of Shylock's daughter Jessica with a Christian, Bassanio's friend Lorenzo. In its focus on love and marriage, the play shares certain concerns with Shakespeare's other comedies. Yet its depiction of the tensions between Jews and Christians in early modern Venice - and its highly dramatic trial scene in Act 4 - create darker currents in the play.

Ratings and reviews

The Merchant of Venice is a thought-provoking and multi-layered play that explores themes of love, justice, prejudice, and the complexities of human nature. Set in Venice during the Renaissance period, this captivating work of literature is renowned for its rich characterizations, intricate plot, and profound insights into the human condition.

The Merchant of Venice also explores themes of love, loyalty, and friendship. The bond between Antonio and his friend Bassanio, as well as the romantic entanglements involving Portia and other characters, adds depth and emotional resonance to the play, highlighting the enduring power of love and human connection.

As with all of Shakespeare's works, "The Merchant of Venice" is renowned for its rich language, vivid imagery, and memorable quotations. From Shylock's famous speech on the universality of humanity to Portia's eloquent defense of mercy, the play is filled with poetic language and profound insights that continue to resonate with audiences today.