Synopsis

In the Merchant of Venice, Antonio, a merchant, takes a loan from Shylock, a Jewish money-lender whom he has a history of deriding, in order to fund his dear friend Bassanio’s suit of the maid Portia. Portia’s father died and left a will stating that she was to be obtained by a suitor who chose the correct of 3 caskets. Bassanio wins Portia, but Antonio must default on his loan to Shylock. Shylock then attempts to take his agreed upon debt, “a pound of flesh,” but Bassanio fights to secure his friend’s freedom in a court presided over by Portia, in disguise.