Le marchand de venise
The first idea of love that is presented in the play is that it comes in many forms. Antonio demonstrates his love for his kinsman Bassanio...
Love in The Merchant of Venice comes in a variety of forms. There’s love between family members, between friends, and of course, between lovers. Still, love is more notable for its absence than its presence. Love often goes hand in hand with betrayal, and no love in the play comes from a solid place that defies suspicion. Bassanio “loves” Portia, but courted her for her money, and the same seems true of Lorenzo’s interest in Jessica. Women seem happy to give love, but they do so with a shred of cynicism. The strongest bonds of the play are those uncomplicated by romance. Well, for the most part Shylock presumably loves his daughter Jessica, but she betrays that bond of unconditional love by deserting him for a Christian husband. Similarly, Antonio clearly loves Bassanio (whether in a romantic manner or not) and he ultimately must subordinate his love for Bassanio to Portia’s more formal marriage with him. Love is regulated, sacrificed, betrayed, and generally built on rocky foundations in the play.
Questions About Love
1. What kinds of love are there in the play? Is any love held up as more valuable or enduring than another? Are all types of love presented as equally realistic? 2. The loves between friends, family members, and lovers are all presented as being plagued by tension in the play. Is this realistic? Is love a mutually exclusive affair? Is it OK for Antonio to be jealous of