THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Havliceks classroom威尼斯商人Havlicek的课堂.pptVIP

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE By William Shakespeare LITERARY TERMS Allusion *Malapropism Aside *Metaphor Comic Relief *Pun Double Entendre(pun) *Soliloquy Foreshadowing *Theme Internal Rhyme Irony-Dramatic, Structural, Verbal BACKGROUND The play was written about 1596. ?Appeared in the register for first time in 1598 perhaps to prevent copyright issues. ?Falls into the second period of Shakespeare’s writings, with Romeo and Juliet and Midsummer Night’s Dream. ?A play that shows the extremes of anti-semitism during Shakespeare’s time. The Characters-In groups The ‘wooers’ of Portia- a rich heiress The Prince of Morocco The Prince of Arragon Bassanio, Antonio’s friend Nerissa- Portia’s waiting maid Balthasar/ Stephano- servants to Portia CHARACTERS Antonio- a Merchant of Venice Bassanio- Antonio’s friend Salanio Salarino Friends to Antonio and Gratiano Bassanio Leonardo- servant to Bassanio CHARACTERS Shylock- a rich Jewish man Tubal- Shylock’s friend Launcelot Gobbo- servant to (funny!) Shylock Old Gobbo- father to Launcelot Jessica- Shylock’s daughter Lorenzo- in love with Jessica; friend to Antonio 3 DISTINCT PLOTS ★Winning of Portia by the lottery of the caskets (lead, silver, and gold) ?Settlement of Shylock’s claim ?Final complication of the betrothal rings SOURCES OF INTEREST IN THE PLAY The Spectacular and Picturesque Examples include: *strange forfeit in the bond *luxurious setting of Portia’s home *wooing by caskets *the trial scene, young woman disguised HUMOR It is more incidental than essential Play is a romantic comedy with Tragic undertones Main sources of humor: ?Portia’s witty comments ?Gratiano’s earlier remarks ?Launcelot’s antics ?The Ring episode SUSPENSE Formed of following uncertainties: ?Will terms of bond be agreed upon? ?Who will choose correct casket? ?Will the elopement succeed? ?Will Shylock gain his end in the trial? ?How will Bassanio and Gratiano account