The Merchant of Venice (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Merchant of Venice Essays

Merchant of Venice literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Merchant of Venice.

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Why do you think Bassanio chooses the "lead casket"?

Bassanio refuses gold because he knows that "all that glisters is not gold." He also refuses silver, calling it "common drudge 'tween man and man," as coins are. He chooses lead because he knows that true worth lies inside, even if the outside doesn't look like much. The lead is more like HIM than like Portia.

Posted By leanna m #119043 at Dec 18, 2009 11:04 AM in Merchant of Venice || 0 replies

"all that glisters..."

"All that glisters is not gold..." says the scroll in the golden casket. What does this mean? I have an idea, but im not sure that it is right. Can you help? Thanks!

Posted By vivian h #81935 at Oct 21, 2009 4:04 PM in Merchant of Venice || 1 reply

Antonio--gay?

I've read some commentary that suggests that Antonio is homosexual.  He is in love with Bassanio; this explains his melancholy at the beginning of the play, his willingness to lend him so much money and to give his life to save Bassanio's. 

Any reactions?

Posted By coco s #17435 at Oct 29, 2007 3:41 PM in Merchant of Venice || 5 replies