The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare | Summary & Analysis

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
  • Summarize videos instantly with our Course Assistant plugin, and enjoy AI-generated quizzes: bit.ly/ch-ai-asst William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice explained with scene summaries in just a few minutes!
    Professor Regina Buccola of Roosevelt University provides an in-depth analysis of the plot, characters, symbols, themes, and motifs of William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice.
    Download the free study guide and infographic for The Merchant of Venice here: www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Me...
    A parable illustrating the consequences of greed and usury, William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is among the most controversial of his plays.
    The comedy centers on Antonio, who has extended credit to his friend Bassanio so that he may pursue the beautiful Portia. But in order to do so, Antonio must use the services of Jewish money lender Shylock.
    When Bassanio arrives to seek Portia’s hand in marriage, he finds that money will not be enough. Portia’s father has created a challenge to choose a suitor for her. He has set up three caskets, or boxes. The man who chooses the casket with Portia's portrait inside gets her hand. Luckily, he chooses correctly.
    Unfortunately, when Antonio’s ships are lost, Shylock takes him to court in an effort to collect on his debt-which, in the absence of monetary compensation, will take the form of a pound of flesh.
    When Shylock will not agree to mercy, Portia disguises herself as a lawyer and finds that should Shylock take Antonio's blood, which is not part of the contract, his own life will be forfeit. Since it is impossible to take a pound of flesh without spilling blood, Shylock's claim is void. The result finds Shylock losing his fortune to Antonio and the state.
    This comedy is often characterized as blatantly anti-Semitic, which is supported by the rampant anti-Jewish sentiment of the day. While to modern eyes this reads as astonishingly stereotypical, the play remains valuable for its somewhat sympathetic depiction of the slings and arrows endured by European Jews.
    Famous playwright William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice was written around 1596-97 at the height of his career. Borrowing from existing Italian and medieval stories for the characters and basic plot, his characterization of the Jewish Shylock and “Christian” Venetians highlights social, religious, and moral tensions of the time.
    The Merchant of Venice contains many powerful symbols including rings symbolizing the strongest of human bonds, flesh representing life which is more valuable when threatened, and gold symbolizing power and status. Other themes include appearances versus reality, worth, prejudice, and mercy.
    Explore Course Hero’s collection of free literature study guides, Q&A pairs, and infographics here: www.coursehero.com/lit/
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ความคิดเห็น • 120

  • @comiikaze
    @comiikaze 3 ปีที่แล้ว +497

    me watching this the day before my deadline after not reading the play

    • @vuyokazisocishe6406
      @vuyokazisocishe6406 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      That was so me😂I watch it day before my exam

    • @iamckx8875
      @iamckx8875 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      that is me right now LMAO

    • @Nobody-mg8ow
      @Nobody-mg8ow 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I'm watching it 5 hours before my final exam

    • @livetodance7710
      @livetodance7710 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Me too!!!!

    • @davidlugun5355
      @davidlugun5355 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Legends 👏👏 😎 😂

  • @gaurisaili1814
    @gaurisaili1814 3 ปีที่แล้ว +113

    watched this video a day before my English exam. very well explained . easy language, clarity of each and every episode, explanation about the character sketches. my anxiety of not able to remember this play from book just vanished after watching this video. thank you so much!

    • @breakingtuber5316
      @breakingtuber5316 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      How did the exam go?

    • @sanona_0060
      @sanona_0060 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      For you it’s an exam 😢

    • @joeydinero9300
      @joeydinero9300 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@breakingtuber5316 she aced it. All it took was memorizing the information in these videos. Literally that easy. Lol

    • @wollypolly
      @wollypolly ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sanona_0060 death penalty>??

  • @dankdungeon5104
    @dankdungeon5104 4 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    This video helps so much as I need to know this for my English exam, thank you

  • @lindiwebuyani2202
    @lindiwebuyani2202 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    explained properly compared to my english teacher i get the play and hope to pass it with a 60% thank you for your time and patience to explain this to people like me!!!!

  • @lvincent2388
    @lvincent2388 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    THANK YOU this is SO helpful for my paper on the merchant of Venice!!!

  • @sangeetag.1111
    @sangeetag.1111 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome channel for all acts
    Very well explained
    Instead of revising all the acts are lengthy
    This comes more handy
    Thank you very much 💟

  • @chidumeebere962
    @chidumeebere962 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    thanks so so much for the summary, you explained it so well

  • @AshokKumar-od9hh
    @AshokKumar-od9hh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thankyou for explaining all the acts in detail
    It helped me in writing my exams very well

  • @erikthehalfabee6234
    @erikthehalfabee6234 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    A wonderful literary work decomposed into motifs and themes.
    It does make it look a bit like a technical exercise, a trade with set rules and so.

  • @Dmm677
    @Dmm677 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for this! So helpful

  • @TheFriend02
    @TheFriend02 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    In fact a hats off performance and explanation. Subscribed the channel as well

  • @J.Dingle
    @J.Dingle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I Don't know what I would have done without this. :)

  • @yuvaraj3779
    @yuvaraj3779 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    A beautiful story by Shakespeare and in this video this story is explained very well and beautiful

  • @AantonioT
    @AantonioT 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Excellent video 👍

  • @krisdied
    @krisdied 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thank you very well explained

  • @syedabidsamadsamad6218
    @syedabidsamadsamad6218 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you a lot for this

  • @leventecsoban
    @leventecsoban 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    very helpful, thank you

  • @berianita1547
    @berianita1547 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much Ma. It's so explicit

  • @WANGCHEN24
    @WANGCHEN24 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Watching (March 1) before attending the English paper.

  • @kumararunsingh1518
    @kumararunsingh1518 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Very much nice play by Shakespeare
    And in this video it is explained very very well 😍❤

  • @madwolf0966
    @madwolf0966 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Amazing literacy.

  • @soninoscardelletti2844
    @soninoscardelletti2844 ปีที่แล้ว

    UTTERLY FANTASTIC STUFF! GOD BLESS

  • @nitikanagpal686
    @nitikanagpal686 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing 👏👏

  • @moulanasalam7728
    @moulanasalam7728 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much❤

  • @rajatbrad1929
    @rajatbrad1929 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice

  • @p30ppy
    @p30ppy 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice presentation 💛

  • @LoverofAllah-go2fp
    @LoverofAllah-go2fp 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare is a complex play that explores themes of love, justice, and prejudice. The character of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is central to the narrative and invites critical analysis. The play raises questions about societal norms, mercy, and the consequences of revenge.
    Shakespeare cleverly portrays the ambiguity of characters, blurring the lines between hero and villain. The Merchant of Venice prompts reflection on the nature of mercy and the consequences of discrimination. Shylock's demand for a pound of Antonio's flesh is a metaphor for the harshness of justice when fueled by personal vendettas.
    Additionally, the play is notable for its exploration of anti-Semitism. Shylock's character challenges audiences to confront their own biases and consider the humanity behind the stereotypes. The caskets and the bond subplot add layers to the narrative, reflecting on the themes of choice, appearances, and true worth.
    Ultimately, "The Merchant of Venice" stands as a thought-provoking work that invites critical examination of societal norms, justice, and the complexities of human nature.

  • @ghaidabakri8856
    @ghaidabakri8856 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you so much !

  • @TeacherBevph
    @TeacherBevph 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    :D thank you im gona teach this next week!

  • @eclipse2551
    @eclipse2551 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good...

  • @philasaandesekhova1425
    @philasaandesekhova1425 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Watching hours before exam😂😂

  • @Arcane_Digital
    @Arcane_Digital 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the play.

  • @ZehFox1
    @ZehFox1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This helps. Thanks i have an exam on this story

  • @sinilakra1773
    @sinilakra1773 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video

  • @amit-kk9cx
    @amit-kk9cx 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video 🙂🙂

  • @donmacuha8310
    @donmacuha8310 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice

  • @behappywithdhamma
    @behappywithdhamma 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good

  • @iuhenceargent8860
    @iuhenceargent8860 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can anyone say and explain the lesson conveyed by the story Merchant of Venice?

  • @mihi4136
    @mihi4136 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    would def want u as my literature teacher fam

    • @roba_yt3218
      @roba_yt3218 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      HELL NO SHES CLAPPED

  • @ismailabdulaah163
    @ismailabdulaah163 ปีที่แล้ว

    Does anyone know what the name of the background music?

  • @chukkiayanamr7952
    @chukkiayanamr7952 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thankyou so much.... That's really awsome analysis techniques and very useful..... Especially during exams😅🥳. Loved the whole series

  • @kimoplayz243
    @kimoplayz243 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thanks you latterly saved my future. without this i wove failed my exam

    • @ayushluther
      @ayushluther 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      With that English how did you not fail?!

    • @bilal.6123
      @bilal.6123 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ayushluther umm ok...

  • @zayankhan751
    @zayankhan751 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    watching this day before my literature exam lol

  • @shinejustus5022
    @shinejustus5022 ปีที่แล้ว

    Me literally watching this for my flipped class , which is due tomorrow, and doesn’t understand anything, wish me luck 😅

  • @nicolemafukidze
    @nicolemafukidze 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    watching this for the 5th time now and l'm writing tomorrow

  • @martinyoungoficial
    @martinyoungoficial 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i fucking love you guys

  • @boyahuang
    @boyahuang 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Watched this before literature exam 👍👍👍👍

  • @nazmulgani3776
    @nazmulgani3776 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent!!! I am deeply impressed by your comments on the hypocrisy of the Christian community.......on the irony of situation. Portia appeals passionately to Shylock to be merciful to Antonio. But she shows little mercy to the old, alienated, helpless and grief- stricken jew. All his wealth.........the source of his livelihood is forfeited. The worst of all, he is forced to renounce his FAITH------- One of the FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS. Thus Portia, however noble, gracious and wise she may appear to be, she commits a heinous crime against HUMANITY. Does Christianity approve of forced conversion? Some critics say that Shakespeare himself is prejudiced against the Jews and towards the Christians. But, that's a misinterpretation. He has always been objective, impartial and unprejudiced. The ending of the TRIAL SCENE is ample proof.

  • @johnpraise9910
    @johnpraise9910 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    2024 gang here

  • @karabolesele1495
    @karabolesele1495 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    me watching this because I'm writing a test based on this tomorrow

    • @aravinds8429
      @aravinds8429 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I am being / will be *administered / *sitting for a test on this tomorrow

  • @boboiboylawrence4563
    @boboiboylawrence4563 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Watching a day before board exam

  • @vinodaugustine7139
    @vinodaugustine7139 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    We are the last batch which will watch these videos (icse 2024>>>)

  • @sinilakra1773
    @sinilakra1773 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    👏👏

  • @muhammadalbarami3268
    @muhammadalbarami3268 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Shylock is the one who proposed the idea of a pound of flesh not Antonio

    • @accintervigilant3565
      @accintervigilant3565 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Beautiful,have the
      movie ,and enjoy watching it.

  • @holoqt7308
    @holoqt7308 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Got a final on a movie this book,and another

  • @invigosikez1488
    @invigosikez1488 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    me watching this video 1000000000 centuries before my exam

  • @sumanareddy9936
    @sumanareddy9936 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    But you have forgot to tell that a man comes and tells that is ships are safe in the last

    • @aravinds8429
      @aravinds8429 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      *you have **forgotten, sister. Either "you forgot" or "you have forgotten*"
      Whenever the auxiliary verb "have" occurs in a sentence, the past participle is what follows 😊. Hope this helps

  • @pnq9194
    @pnq9194 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    pov:u got gcses tomorrow

  • @aashnadhupe8379
    @aashnadhupe8379 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The lady is speaking American English or British English??

  • @Sky01219
    @Sky01219 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have an exam based on this. I'm writing tomorrow 😓

  • @sohamdatta3868
    @sohamdatta3868 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am filled with aw ❤️😉😉❤️

  • @juanduque675
    @juanduque675 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Anyone else watching this before English exam?

  • @tallissajohns7176
    @tallissajohns7176 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    🇯🇲🖤👏👏💯☺️

  • @yehudacohentov6033
    @yehudacohentov6033 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    wassup homies

  • @rogerrousco2921
    @rogerrousco2921 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This play showed how mistreated and alienated the Jews were, I was rooting for Shylock.

  • @phantomslayer9714
    @phantomslayer9714 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m may actually pass😅😂

  • @nickrush7975
    @nickrush7975 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    )))

  • @yolonoballsryca
    @yolonoballsryca ปีที่แล้ว

    i hope my kids turn out like this wman suhc a help thank you i pray you go to heaven

  • @soninoscardelletti2844
    @soninoscardelletti2844 ปีที่แล้ว

    I didn't like SHYLOCK getting ripped off at the end. A bargin was a bargin and Antonio should have been meant to pay up. God Bless

  • @ricardorodriguezcarrasco7219
    @ricardorodriguezcarrasco7219 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    you reposted in the wrong neighborhood

  • @TheNoblot
    @TheNoblot 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The flat Tire: 1)
    The Plague is the flat Tyre. The renaissance the replacement allowing the automobile to reach its destination. Unfortunately the inspiration and wisdom of the artistic Renaissance was dismissed & Europe entered the Rothchild experiment, the 17 century becomes the era of correction, bringing the Rothchild experiment to its zenith 1776/1789/ “the creation of Republics” Democratic elections & presidential governments. Industrial revolution slavery & a fast and well deserved technological development. Quality of life became better to most humans comfort a longer life and many other benefits to the many. Climate change viruses deceases COVID 20/22 is the current plague of the 21 century, The coming Renaissance is once again requested. The flat tire needs a replacement to continue the journey with the 4 wheels on the automobile. 2) The actual 21 century ends the Rothchild experiment the Republic & the end of the current presidential Democratic realm. However to continue the journey a replacement must be found, the automobile cannot advance with only 3 wheels, “STAGNATION” we need to replaced with the spare Tire to reach the nearest garage. Replace Tire with the proper one to continue the journey and restructure society to able our human kind to survive the negative damages created the previous years that brought us positive comfort a longer life & better living.
    1) is a deflated pneumatic tire, which can cause the rim of the wheel to ride on the tire tread or the ground potentially resulting in loss of control of the vehicle or irreparable damage to the tire.
    2) Imperialism is a policy or ideology of extending the rule over peoples and other countries, for extending political and economic access, power and control, often through employing hard power, especially military force, but also soft power

  • @husseinhussam6014
    @husseinhussam6014 ปีที่แล้ว

    غاديم

  • @Hever73
    @Hever73 ปีที่แล้ว

    WHY DID WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE CAME UP WITH THIS? DID HE GO TO VENICE?

  • @francescovalensisi8439
    @francescovalensisi8439 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tuillier è lento

  • @nickrush7975
    @nickrush7975 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    (((

  • @digitab4446
    @digitab4446 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    We had to read this for class and I voiced Shylock.
    I'm really not a fan of it though.

  • @neilrusling-je6zo
    @neilrusling-je6zo 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Why would Shylock being a jew be problematic? That seems like a rather unfortunate statement bordering on being problematic. Why would you think a jew being in finance and banking is "Problematic"? Dont forget that Shylock planned to murder a man and was lucky he was not executed. If Shylock had only changed to Christianity then he would have faced no hatred, he brought his misfortunes on himself by living in a Christian country while refusing to be Christian, if he did not like the way he was treated he could always have moved to Palestine or North Africa. Shylock was NOT limited to living in the Ghetto or working in Banking, he could have left Venice and lived and worked however he wished, or simply converted to Christianity. Shylock CHOSE to live in the Ghetto, he was not forced.

  • @nuwelenmaharaj2072
    @nuwelenmaharaj2072 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Anybody here in 2024

  • @xpullupndswerve
    @xpullupndswerve 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    yeah this video is not helpful whatsoever if anyone else here is using it to study for school. You skip entirely the part of the other suitors failing the casket test which is an incredibly symbolic and important part of the book and overall you would be better off guessing and choosing random answers on a multiple choice then trying to study off of this video

  • @sarimrizwan239
    @sarimrizwan239 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i disliked this video because i was forced to watch it :/

  • @average-everyday-idiot
    @average-everyday-idiot 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Horrible ruined my life

  • @nickrush7975
    @nickrush7975 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Whitewashed analysis

  • @albinhurve5521
    @albinhurve5521 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    super helpful, thanks

  • @maimohammed9384
    @maimohammed9384 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you so much💖

  • @LoverofAllah-go2fp
    @LoverofAllah-go2fp 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare is a complex play that explores themes of love, justice, and prejudice. The character of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is central to the narrative and invites critical analysis. The play raises questions about societal norms, mercy, and the consequences of revenge.
    Shakespeare cleverly portrays the ambiguity of characters, blurring the lines between hero and villain. The Merchant of Venice prompts reflection on the nature of mercy and the consequences of discrimination. Shylock's demand for a pound of Antonio's flesh is a metaphor for the harshness of justice when fueled by personal vendettas.
    Additionally, the play is notable for its exploration of anti-Semitism. Shylock's character challenges audiences to confront their own biases and consider the humanity behind the stereotypes. The caskets and the bond subplot add layers to the narrative, reflecting on the themes of choice, appearances, and true worth.
    Ultimately, "The Merchant of Venice" stands as a thought-provoking work that invites critical examination of societal norms, justice, and the complexities of human nature.