Merchant of Venice Essay: The Depression of Antonio -- Merchant Venice

The Depression of Antonio in Merchant of Venice In the Merchant of Venice, we see a truly anti-Semitic play by Shakespeare. However, we also see a tale of money (greed and generosity), make love (heterosexual and homosexual), and emotion (joy and sadness). The play revolves around Bassanios love for Portia. Bassanio needs money to play the suitor to Portia in style. His patron who loves him, Antonio, agrees to give him the money, but, because all of his money is invested in his merchant ships he essential take a loan from the greedy Jew Shylock. Shylock loans him the money in exchange for a pound of his flesh if he does not allowance the loan back on time. Bassanio wins Portias hand, but, before they are joined together, Portia forget disguise herself in order to win the freedom of Antonio when his ships meet with break in and he cannot repay Shylock. Shylock eat ups up losing half his wealth and must(prenominal) convert before Portia is through with him. Antonio is a fasci nating character get when it comes to psychology because he is such a sad but statuesque character. He is world-weary and lifes material things do not bring him joy. He is also confused about his sadness. As he says in the spring speech of the play, In sooth, I know not why I an so sad/It wearies me you say it wearies you/But how I caught it, found it, or came by it,/What stuff tis made of, whereof it is born, I am to learn/And such a want-wit sadness makes of me/That I make up much ado to know myself (Shakespeare 203). Antonio explains he has scattered his investment risks quite adequately, so it is not his merchandize that makes him sad. Yet, he does admit that he feels it is his nature to be sad, as if he has a chemical imbalance that classifies him as cl... ...nificance with those of the Jewish faith who might help him, and it gives him a cynical, negative perspective of the culture around him. However, at the end of the play Antonio does seem to find some small measure of triumph when he comes to understand how much Portia has done on his behalf. This shows him that his perceptions of her understanding whitethorn have been limited because he more than likely did not foretell his strongest ally to be the wife of the man he loves, Sweet lady, you have given me life and living/For here I read for real that my ships/Are safely come to road (Shakespeare 228). Thus, Antonio could be recommended for therapy because his depression has the say-so to be ameliorated with a deeper understanding and acceptance of his thinking regarding life. Works CitedShakespeare, W. The grapple Works. Random House, NY 1975.