This course covers the plot, themes, and characters of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.
The Merchant of Venice is a Shakespearean text and comes up on Component 1 of the Edexcel English Literature exam paper, which counts for 50% of the GCSE grade.
Along with a detailed account of the plot, this course also includes an accompanying plot analysis to discuss key elements of the text in order to fully understand the exam topics.
We all know that Shakespeare was the greatest writer to have ever lived. But what else do we know about him? This module presents some background to Shakespeare the man, as well as some historical context to the play itself.
Act 1 opens with Antonio, a Venetian merchant feeling unhappy. Bassanio enters and asks his merchant friend for a loan so that he can pursue the romantic interest of the maiden, Portia.
In Act 2, a prince of Morocco has traveled to Belmont to woo Portia. Her deceased father has left a test. There are three caskets made from three materials. The choice of casket will reveal the character of the man who would win his daughter's affection.
Rumour's are circulating that Antonio has lost a ship. All his wealth is tied up in ships and if he cannot pay the debt he has guaranteed, then Shylock the moneylender will take a pound of his flesh. That is the deal and the court must enforce it.
Act 4 shows the trial of Antonio. It is believed that all of his ships have sunk. Shylock demands his forfeit. Bassanio and his new wife, Portia, race from Belmont to help the merchant before it is too late.
All Shakespeare's plays contain a number of memorable characters. In this comedic drama, Portia is many years ahead of her time and even the villain, Shylock, commands a degree of understanding from the audience. There is no black and white in life.
This flowchart illustrates the different relationships in The Merchant of Venice. Jessica, for example, is lover to Lorenzo, but also daughter to Shylock. Graziano, Nerissa, Portia and the other main characters are here.
Though this play is mainly a comedy, there are a number of very serious issues that Shakespeare addresses, such as Usury and Anti-Semitism. Friendship, choice, mercy and marriage are some other themes discussed here.
How well do you know this play? Here are 15 questions to help jog your memory. We reckon only Shakespeare himself could answer all questions correctly. Prove us wrong.
