# data[].attributes.body
In 1290, King Edward expelled anyone of the Jewish faith from England. While some converted to Christianity to stay in England, most of the Jewish population moved out of the country. This implies that by the time Shakespeare wrote this play in 1596, there were few to no Jews living in London. Due to lack of exposure, irrational fear of religious difference, anti-Semitism was rampant in early modern England. Jews residing in England witnessed limited rights. From not being allowed to own property and limited business opportunists, jews in England were subjected to disrespect and low-class living. Many plays featured despicable Jewish characters to perpetuate this unfounded hatred.

Written in the 1600s, by William Shakespeare, the merchant of Venice dramatizes the lives of merchants, money lenders and heiresses in Venice and Belmont. The play takes place in the city of Venice, known for its waterways, sewages and its culture of masking to celebrate any occasion. In stark contrast, the other half of the play roles out in the city of Belmont, fictionally created by the writer. As the name suggests, the city was situated on the peak of a ‘beautiful mountain’.

# data[].attributes.body
In summary, the play explores ideas of religious discrimination, love and social status. Antonio a prosperous merchant borrows a loan from a Jewish trader shylock. Antonio borrows this money for his dear friend Bassanio, so he is able to court the heiress, Portia. Portia's father left her with a riddle to choose her suitor. Three caskets of gold, silver and led were placed. One containing Portia's picture. The man who chose the right casquet would have Portia's hand. Bassanio, using the money presents himself as a worthy suitor. Luckily, he chooses the correct casquete and is allowed to woo Portia.

Further, as Antonio lost his ships at sea, he was unable to repay shylock. According to the marry bound, he demanded a pound of Antonio's flesh. Here, Portia disguises herself as a male legal scholar, Balthazar and presents herself in front of the Duke of Venice to support Antonio. Balthazar explains the bond is for flesh but not for a single drop of blood, hence Antonio's death is prevented.

Towards the end of the play, Shylock is forced to give up his assets and convert to Christianity. Using Shyloks assets, Antonio is able to bring back his lost ships. Bassanio and Portia remain bound by the promise of marriage. Finally, Laronzo elopes with Shylock's daughter.

# data[].attributes.body
The idea of male friendship is explored through the relationship between Bassanio and Antonio. In the merchant of Venice, this bond is valued highly compared to other relationships. This friendship alludes to ideas of heterosexualism, however, platonic male friendships were common in the 1600s. Antonio first risks his life by approaching Shylock for a loan for Bassanio. This implies that, to Antonio, their friendship was worth risking his own life for. Even though Bassanio was in debt to Antonio, he does not let money change the course of their friendship. This suggests that Antonia valued and trusted Bassanio.

Finally, when Bassanio successfully courts Portia, he offers Antonio her wealth to be able to pay the loan he had taken for Shylock. Bassanio then explains to Portia his real love and admiration for Antonia, which leads to Portia saving Antonio's life.

From these acts, it can be understood that Antonio and Bassanio shared a special, unbreakable friendship, where trust, loyalty and care were of utmost importance.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Shylock- A Jewish money lender, wo lived in the ghettos of the venetian city. He faces discrimination and violence due to his religion. Further, binding Antonio to a bound which leads him to giving up all his assets and converting to Christianity.

2. Antonio- A wealthy and prosperous merchant. He borrows money from schlocky for his friend Bassanio. whose life is saved by Portia Infront of the duke of Venice.

3. Bassanio- Antonios close friend, who wishes to marry Portia using the money Antonio borrows from Shylock.

4. Portia- The heiress of Belmont, a rich and beautiful young lady who is looking for a suitor.

5. Jessica- Shylocks only daughter, who has been kept away from the dangers of the real world, under her father's protection. She disobeys her father by eloping with Larenzo, a Christian man.

6. Nerissa- Portia's woman in waiting. She provides Portia with logical reasons and solutions to her problems. She further supports Portia's in all her endeavours throughout the play. She marries Graziano, Antonio and Bassanio's friend.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Wealth

2. Love

3. Justice

4. Race and religion

5. Friendship

6. Marriage

7. Appearance vs. Reality

8. Crossdressing

9. Gender reversal/ gender norms and sterotyping

10. Loyalty/ obedience

11. Revenge/ Prejudice

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.owleyes.org/text/merchant-of-venice/analysis/historical-context
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe3lIUF_L9o
https://www.shakespeare.org.uk › shakespeares-plays › m...
https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/merchant-of-venice/themes/friendship

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Historical Context in The Merchant of Venice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read expert analysis on historical context in The Merchant of Venice