The Merchant Of Venice
"Shakespeare's is still relevant today because it
deals with issues which still affect us. Show how two of those issues are
discussed in the play."
Throughout the play a distinction is made between how things appear on the
outside and how they are in reality, or on the inside. The issue of appearance
versus reality is demonstrated in varied ways, mainly by the use of real-life
situations. The first representation of this is Shylock's generosity with his
money and eagerness to make friends with Antonio when he says, "I say, to buy
his favour, I extend this friendship," when all he wants is to take a pound of
Antonio's flesh and end his life, "If I can catch him once upon the hip, I ...
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men desire," sees the message,
"All that glisters is not gold," and is thus turned away by Portia. The Prince
of Arragon, on choosing the silver casket with, "Who chooseth me shall get as
much as he deserves," receives a fool's head, and is told that that is what he
deserves. Bassanio however, on correctly choosing the lead casket with the
inscription, "Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath," says, "The
world is still (constantly) deceived with ornament." He chooses the lead casket
so as not to be fooled by the dull appearance, and receives the beautiful Portia
and all her wealth who, in reality, contrasts with the ugly lead. The two
princes, however, were deceived by the ornament of the gold and silver caskets.
Another way that Shakespeare discusses appearance versus reality is with
the use of Portia and Nerissa in disguise, plotting to take Bassanio's ring, the
former dressed as a Doctor of Law and the latter as a Clerk. They save Antonio
and Bassanio from ...
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The Merchant Of Venice. (2005, November 29). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Merchant-Of-Venice/37245
"The Merchant Of Venice." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 29 Nov. 2005. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Merchant-Of-Venice/37245>
"The Merchant Of Venice." Essayworld.com. November 29, 2005. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Merchant-Of-Venice/37245.
"The Merchant Of Venice." Essayworld.com. November 29, 2005. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Merchant-Of-Venice/37245.
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