Renaissance Venice was a wealthy city due to trade. Men
like Antonio could and did become extremely rich with a fleet of ships trading with the
east.
Men like Shylock, a Jew, however could only become
rich as money lenders or early bankers, since lending money was considered unchristian,
therefore Christians left money lending to Jews who where considered second class
citizens.
Portia's father wisely protected his daughter
against unworthy men seeking to gain her fortune through marriage. She is referred to
as the Golden Fleece. We only begin to realize her wealth in Act IV, scene 1, when she
offers Shylock three times the amount of the loan which is a staggering amount of
money. If Shylock loved only money, why not take the money and run? The answer is
quite simple, he had made a pact with god.
Does Bassanio
love Portia for her wealth or for herself? One would hope that Portia is a good judge
of character in choosing Bassanio and make no mistake, she chooses him. OK, so he
failed the ring test, but you must admit he does resist the charming and brilliant young
lawyer.
Wealth and love of money do play an important part
in the play but remember, "All that glisters is not gold."
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