Write a note on the theme of friendship and loyalty in The Merchant of Venice

Answer

Write a note on the theme of friendship and loyalty in “The Merchant of Venice.”

In William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) play “The Merchant of Venice” (1600), the themes of friendship and loyalty are central to the story. The relationships between the characters demonstrate how true friends stand by each other in times of need and how loyalty can lead to noble actions and difficult decisions.

Friendship between Antonio and Bassanio: At the play’s heart is the friendship between Antonio, the merchant, and Bassanio, his young friend. Bassanio is in love with a wealthy heiress named Portia. But Bassanio lacks the money to woo her properly. He comes to Antonio for help. Antonio is a successful merchant, but his wealth is tied up in ships currently at sea. Despite this, Antonio doesn’t hesitate to help his friend. He goes as far as to borrow money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. He uses a pound of his own flesh as collateral. Shylock says:

 If I can catch him once upon the hip,

I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.

He confronts Antonio about his many wrongs to Shylock—the insults, the spitting, and the damage to his business. This line reveals why Shylock agrees to the loan despite those wrongs: he hopes to gain an advantage over Antonio and exploit it. So, this extreme gesture shows the depth of Antonio’s loyalty and love for Bassanio.

Bassanio’s Loyalty: Bassanio’s loyalty to Antonio is also evident. When Antonio is in danger of losing his life because he cannot repay Shylock, Bassanio rushes to his friend’s aid. He even offers to pay Shylock double the amount owed to save Antonio. Bassanio says, Shylock: 

For thy three thousand ducats here is six.

To save Antonio’s life, Bassanio wants to pay double the money, but shylock wants to take revenge on Antonio. Here, Bassanio’s actions reflect his gratitude and deep sense of responsibility towards Antonio, who has risked everything for him.

Portia’s Role in Friendship and Loyalty: Portia, who becomes Bassanio’s wife, also plays a crucial role in showcasing friendship and loyalty. When she learns about Antonio’s plight, she disguises herself as a lawyer and, along with her maid Nerissa, travels to Venice to save him. Portia’s willingness to help someone she has never met. It highlights the loyalty that can exist within a relationship. Portia says to Shylock:

Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.

Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more

……, if the scale do turn

But in the estimation of a hair,

Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscated.

She cleverly argues in court, ultimately saving Antonio and turning the tables on Shylock.

Shylock’s Relationship with His Daughter: Shylock’s relationship with his daughter Jessica contrasts sharply with the play’s other portrayals of friendship and loyalty. Jessica elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian, and converts to Christianity, betraying her father. Shylock’s strictness and obsession with money push Jessica away. Jessica says:

I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so.

Our house is hell and thou, a merry devil,

Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.

The above lines show how a lack of understanding and compassion can destroy family loyalty. This subplot emphasizes that loyalty must be nurtured with love and respect, not fear and control.

In termination, “The Merchant of Venice” portrays friendship and loyalty as powerful forces that drive the characters’ actions and shape their destinies. The relationships between Antonio and Bassanio, Portia and Bassanio, and even the troubled bond between Shylock and Jessica, all highlight different aspects of these themes. True friendship and loyalty, as depicted in the play, involve sacrifice, support, and sometimes, challenging decisions.