“The Merchant of Venice”
William Shakespeare
Plot Summary, Themes & Characters
ACT 1
The play opens in Venice, where Antonio, a wealthy merchant, is sad but cannot identify the
cause of his melancholy. His friends, Salerio and Solanio, suggest his worries may stem from his
commercial ventures. Bassanio, a young Venetian and Antonio’s dear friend, reveals he needs
money to court Portia, a wealthy heiress. Antonio’s funds are tied up in shipping ventures, so he
agrees to borrow money on Bassanio’s behalf. They approach Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, for
a loan of 3,000 ducats. Shylock agrees, but only if Antonio signs a bond stating that if he cannot
repay the loan in three months, Shylock may take a pound of his flesh. Despite Bassanio’s
reservations, Antonio agrees to the bond.
ACT 2
In Belmont, Portia is bound by her deceased father’s will to marry the man who chooses the
correct one of three caskets—gold, silver, and lead. Various suitors fail the test, choosing the
incorrect caskets. In Venice, Shylock’s daughter Jessica plans to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian,
and converts to Christianity, taking a portion of Shylock’s wealth with her. Shylock is distraught
over his daughter's betrayal and loss of money.
DLCNOTES© 2024
William Shakespeare
Plot Summary, Themes & Characters
ACT 1
The play opens in Venice, where Antonio, a wealthy merchant, is sad but cannot identify the
cause of his melancholy. His friends, Salerio and Solanio, suggest his worries may stem from his
commercial ventures. Bassanio, a young Venetian and Antonio’s dear friend, reveals he needs
money to court Portia, a wealthy heiress. Antonio’s funds are tied up in shipping ventures, so he
agrees to borrow money on Bassanio’s behalf. They approach Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, for
a loan of 3,000 ducats. Shylock agrees, but only if Antonio signs a bond stating that if he cannot
repay the loan in three months, Shylock may take a pound of his flesh. Despite Bassanio’s
reservations, Antonio agrees to the bond.
ACT 2
In Belmont, Portia is bound by her deceased father’s will to marry the man who chooses the
correct one of three caskets—gold, silver, and lead. Various suitors fail the test, choosing the
incorrect caskets. In Venice, Shylock’s daughter Jessica plans to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian,
and converts to Christianity, taking a portion of Shylock’s wealth with her. Shylock is distraught
over his daughter's betrayal and loss of money.
DLCNOTES© 2024
