The Merchant of Venice : Literary devices
The Merchant of Venice is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Merchant of Venice.
Literary devices
Figures of Speech
- Metaphor: When one thing is called something else, not using “like” or “as.” Example: “All the world’s a stage.”
- Simile: When something is compared to another thing using “like” or “as.” Example: “Mercy droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.”
- Personification: When something not human is given human qualities. Example: “But love is blind.”
- Irony: When what is said is opposite to what is meant, or something unexpected happens. Example: Shylock insists on “justice” but ends up losing everything.
- Allusion: When a famous story, person, or event is mentioned. Example: Reference to “Jason and the Golden Fleece.”
- Symbols: A symbol is a thing (like an object, color, or place) that stands for or represents something else, especially an idea, feeling, or quality.
- The Three Caskets (Gold, Silver, Lead): The three caskets represent choices in life. The gold casket stands for greed and looking only at the outside. The silver casket means wanting what one thinks is deserved. The lead casket requires risking everything for true love. Only the suitor who chooses the lead casket wins Portia.
- The Pound of Flesh: The pound of flesh symbolizes strict, unforgiving justice. Shylock demands this as payment, showing how law without mercy can be cruel. It also reflects revenge, obsession, and the dangers of not showing kindness. The symbol reminds us that justice should have a place for forgiveness and compassion.
- The Ring: The ring that Portia gives Bassanio stands for love, loyalty, and trust in their marriage. When Bassanio gives away the ring, it tests his loyalty to Portia. The ring shows that love requires promises and honesty, and breaking trust can cause pain in relationships.
- Money and Gold: Money and gold are symbols of greed, power, and desire in the play. Many characters are driven by wealth, and it causes both good and bad things to happen. The play uses money to show how it can change people’s actions and reveal true characters.
Moral Lesson:
- Forgiveness is better than revenge.
- People should not judge by their looks or religion.