The Merchant of Venice



The Merchant of Venice is a comedic play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. It is one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays, often being cited as antisemitic.

The play focuses on Bassanio, a young Venetian, who wishes to travel to Belmont to court the heiress Portia, his friend Antonio (a merchant), and Shylock (a Jewish moneylender).

Connections

 * Jeremy Irons played Antonio in a 2004 film version.