1. by William Shakespeare http://www.guideurope.com/venice/pagina.phtml?explode_tree=68 The Merchant of Venice IES ‘MARÍA ZAMBRANO’ – LEGANÉS (MADRID)

2. 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

3. 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 It Can be seen in The Merchant of Venice! http://www.metrocinema.org/film_view/1969/ Shylock in a film version of The Merchant of Venice 

4. Venetian Women They were… 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/

5. 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://www.abm-enterprises.net/shakespeare.htm

6. 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? http://travel-reports.com/

7. 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

8. Act One - Summary Antonio … a 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

9. Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? Act One Why is Antonio sad? – Is he in love? – Is he 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

10. Act Two - Summary Portia’s suitors: – 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

11. Interpretations, Analyses, or Ideas? Act Two Is there such a thing as true as 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

12. 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://daphne.palomar.edu/christine/projects/shakespeare/default.htm http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Ellen-Terry-1847-1928-as- Portia-in-the-Merchant-of-Venice-Posters_i1367749_.html

13. Act Four - Summary Antonio’s trial – 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 does Shylock turn 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

14. Act Five - Summary Happy Ending! – 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

15. And so … Shakespeare: anti-Semitist? – Or an advocate for the Jews? The cross-dressing women: is he empowering them? – Or: powerful = “become” men? What do the three caskets mean? What are YOUR thoughts? http://www.worth1000.com/entries/287550/venice-architecture

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

17. References Shakespeare, William, and Stephen Greenblatt. The Norton Shakespeare. New York: W.W. Norton, 2008. Print.