The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Created for: Technology in Education, Dr. Merrill Created by: Olivia Hall http://www.guideurope.com/venice/pagina.phtml?explode_tree=68

A Little History Lesson… Venice in the late-1500’s The richest city in Europe Home to many tradesmen, foreigners, and different religious views Jewish people were targeted – negatively http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/JaimeeRose/t1238569200 http://www.medievalwalltapestry.com/old-venice.html

Religious Intolerance Jewish people confined to ghetto Gated “community” Treated with little or no respect Kicked or spit on Cheated Forced to wear red caps Can be seen in The Merchant of Venice! (Shylock in a film version of The Merchant of Venice ) http://www.metrocinema.org/film_view/1969/

Venetian Women Not respected Under the rule/command of men In the play: Jessica and her father Portia and her father But not necessarily their father Husbands, brothers, uncles, etc. No political power http://www.flickr.com/photos/medievalarchive/3772847894/

Shakespeare’s England (in the mid-1500’s) http://www.abm-enterprises.net/shakespeare.htm Shakespeare’s England (in the mid-1500’s) Under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I Jews expelled in the Middle Ages Nation-wide conflict between Catholics and Protestants Playwrights had to be careful not to offend anyone; especially the Queen! Similar to Venice: Important European city Cosmopolitan Home to many foreigners http://englishhistory.net/tudor/beeslychapterfour.html

http://travel-reports.com/

Let the Play Begin! Things to remember while reading: Religious intolerance Role of women Importance of trade and economics Pay attention to: Relationships Between men and women How are the women treated? How are the Jews treated?

Important Characters Antonio: a merchant of Venice Bassanio: Antonio’s friend; Portia’s suitor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shylock: a Jew Jessica: Shylock’s daughter Portia: an heiress “looking for” a husband Nerissa: Portia’s friend and lady-in-waiting http://www.venezia.net/venice/merchant_of_venice.htm http://www.behindthename.com/name/jessica/images http://www.hotflick.net/pictures/004TMV_Lynn_Collins_008.html

Act One Summary Antonio = very influential merchant Has many ships out at sea Bassanio is pursuing Portia Her father wants her to marry “Casket Game” Portia: not impressed Shylock is mocked by Antonio The deal http://dforecastle99.webs.com/picturesofoldeships.htm

Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? Act One Why is Antonio sad? He is in love? He is nervous about ships? The casket game will rule out unworthy suitors Explanation Relationship between Antonio and Shylock What it says about the prejudices of Venice at the time http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/5700/5793/merchant_1.htm

Act Two Summary Portia’s suitors: Shylock’s daughter, Jessica Morocco chooses gold Arragon chooses silver Significance Shylock’s daughter, Jessica Her plot and elopement; Shylock’s lament http://dvd.ign.com/dor/objects/761591/william-shakespeares-the-merchant-of-venice/images/william-shakespeares-the-merchant-of-venice-20050725020901095.html http://www.hotflick.net/pictures/004TMV_Antonio_Gil-Martinez_002.html

Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? Act Two Is there such thing as true love in this play? What can be said of Shylock? Directly (according to text) Indirectly (interpretations, analyses, or ideas?) http://www.shakespearebythesea.org/press.html

Act Three Summary News of Antonio’s ships Shylock rejoices, then returns to cursing daughter Father’s sins delivered on daughter? Bassanio tries the “Casket Game” (Portia in her disguise ) Chooses lead and wins Significance? Antonio is bankrupt; Shylock gets his revenge …or does he? Portia’s loyalty to Antonio: a plot hatches -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interpretations, Analyses, and Ideas? Shakespeare: painting Shylock as malicious? Or justifiable? http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Ellen-Terry-1847-1928-as-Portia-in-the-Merchant-of-Venice-Posters_i1367749_.htm http://daphne.palomar.edu/christine/projects/shakespeare/default.htm

Act Four Summary Antonio’s trial Shylock’s punishment Portia to the rescue How it all backfires on Shylock Shylock’s punishment Half of his estate  Antonio ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? Contract between Antonio and Shylock = fair? Why Shylock turns down the money http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definitions/shylock?cx=partner-pub-0939450753529744%3Av0qd01-tdlq&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=shylock&sa=Search#922

Act Five Summary Happy Ending! Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? Jessica and her lover Portia and Bassanio The “Ring Game” Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? What the “Ring Game” says about Portia And women in general http://www.bard.org/news/photos/merchant/photos2010merchant.html

Fine (The End) http://www.lowflyzone.org/2007/11/venice-without-flying/