Antonio

• Antonio is the Merchant of Venice of the title. He makes his money from trading costly goods on his ships. He appears to be rich and successful.
• At the start of the play he is depressed. The reason for this is never made clear. He says the world is "A stage where every man must play a part, / And mine a sad one." Why do you think he is so sad?
• He is a good and generous friend to Bassanio.
  • He is happy to lend him money, even though Bassanio is in his debt already and Antonio has to borrow money to do so.
  • Solanio, describing Bassanio's departure to Belmont, says of Antonio and Bassanio's friendship, "I think he only loves the world for him."
  • When news comes of his lost ships, Antonio asks Bassanio to come home, but does not force him. He writes, "use your pleasure."
  • When he believes he is going to die, he tells Bassanio, "Say how I loved you," and seems glad to be paying Bassanio's debt with his life.
  • Antonio promises surety for Bassanio again in Act V, when Portia is questioning Bassanio about the loss of his ring, saying "I once did lend my body for his wealth, ...I dare be bound again, / My soul upon the forfeit, that your lord / Will nevermore break faith advisedly."
  • Some directors have suggested a homosexual relationship between Antonio and Bassanio. (Antonio certainly never makes any mention of wanting a wife.) What do you think of this idea?
• He is apparently generous to other people too, as he never lends money for profit.
• However, he is vehemently anti-Jewish (or anti-Semite). He has been cruel to Shylock over a long period of time, even though he is a Christian. (He obviously does not love his enemies, as Christians are taught to do!)
  • Shylock describes how "many a time and oft / In the Rialto have you rated me / About my money and my usances."
  • Whilst in prison, he recognises that Shylock hates him because he lent money to people to help them pay their debts to Shylock - yet makes no mention of other reasons why Shylock would hate him, such as all the verbal abuse he has given him!
  • When his own life has been spared, Antonio forces Shylock to become a Christian, which he must know is the worst penalty of all for the Jew. Do you think he does this because he is passionate about converting people to Christianity, or to gain revenge?
• He believes that the laws of Venice should be upheld - even if it means losing his life. "The Duke cannot deny the course of law."