2. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

7. The Merchant of Venice -- background n Shakespeare wrote this play in 1596 or 1597. n In Shakespeare’s time The Merchant of Venice was regarded as a comedy; however, modern audiences see elements of tragedy as well.

8. The Merchant of Venice -- history n King Edward I of England had persecuted and expelled the Jews in 1290. n From the 13th century on, Jews were expelled in countries all over Europe. n Shakespeare cannot have known a great deal about the Jewish community.

9. The Merchant of Venice -- history n By 1509 Venice, Italy allowed Jews to build a community within the city. n However, Jews were restricted by strict laws limiting property ownership, commerce, and social life.

10. n Venice is the world of reality. n Venice was the international hub of sea-faring trade and commerce during the Renaissance. n Venice means business -- all scenes in Venice involve trade, money, and striking deals. The Setting -- Venice

11. The Rialto Bridge

12. The Setting – Belmont Island n Belmont is a fictional island. n It represents the green world of nature, fantasy, and love. n Characters escape the reality of Venice when they go to Belmont.

13. Thematic Topics n love and money n justice and mercy n anti-Semitism and tolerance n villainy and heroism n appearance and reality n comedy and tragedy