Antonio description

Antonio description

1. Generous

   • He is willing to offer his good credit standing to borrow money in Venice so that Bassanio can woo Portia in the right style. He is also willing to be Bassanio’s guarantor. (Act One Scene 1 or 3)
     • - Bassanio is about to leave him to woo Portia - still does his utmost best to help his friend.
   • Antonio does not charge interest. Shylock: “He(Antonio) lends out money gratis” Antonio: “Shylock, albeit I neither lend nor borrow / By taking nor by giving of excess” Act One scene 3
     • - Antonio generous to friends who borrow money from him --> would never accept more than the original amount of money

2. Unselfish

   • Antonio: “The Duke cannot deny the course or law: / For the commodity that strangers have / With us in Venice, if it be denied, / Will much impeach the justice of the state, / Since that the trade and profit of the city / Consisteth of all nations. ACT 3 SCENE 3
     • - Duke bend the law --> Venice’s economy and business suffer - Duke “cannot deny the course of law” --> Antonio fate is decided

3. Loyal

   • ‘Go presently inquire - and so will I - Where money is; and I no question make To have it of my trust or for my sake.’ (Antonio/ Act One Scene 1)
     • - Bassanio under desperate circumstances --> need help from Antonio --> Antonio offered to equip Bassanio with money to pursue Portia

4. Prejudiced

   • ‘Signoir Antonio, many a time and oft in the Rialto you have rated me About my moneys and my usances. Still have I borne it with a patient shrug, For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe. You call me “misbeliever”, “cut-throat dog”, And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine’ (Shylock/ Act One Scene 3)
     • - Antonio looks down on the Christians and criticise them --> Antonio disgraced Shylock many times --> Shylock’s deep hatred for Antonio.
   • ‘you spat on me last Wednesday last; You called me “dog” ‘ (Shylock/ Act One Scene 3)