A Synopsis of The Merchant of Venice

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THE LOAN
Bassanio, needing money to become the suitor to Portia, a wealthy heiress of Belmont, asks his friend Antonio, a merchant of Venice, for a loan. Antonio’s money is tied up in shipments away from Venice, so he approaches Shylock, a money-lender. Shylock agrees to lend the money on condition that if Antonio does not pay it back by an appointed time, Shylock may cut a pound of flesh from him. Antonio agrees. Bassanio prepares to leave, allowing his friend Gratiano to accompany him.

ELOPEMENT
Launcelot Gobbo, Shylock’s servant, decides to leave him, telling his father about his plan. Lorenzo, with the help of Solanio, Salerio and Gratiano, plots to help Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, to escape. While Shylock is out meeting with Antonio, Jessica and Lorenzo elope, taking some of Shylock’s money and jewels.

THE CASKETS
Meanwhile, in Belmont, Portia is unhappy with her suitors. Her father has decreed that she must marry the man who chooses from three caskets, the one containing her picture. Fortunately for Portia, the Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon both fail, being seduced by the external glamour of the two incorrect caskets. When Bassanio arrives he chooses the right casket. Gratiano falls in love with Nerissa, Portia’s waiting-woman.

ANTONIO’S LOSS
In Venice, Solanio and Salerio hear that some of Antonio’s ships are lost, and Shylock promises to redeem his bond. Another Jew, Tubal, brings him news of Antonio’s loss and Jessica’s new spending habits.

SHYLOCK DEMANDS HIS BOND
Portia and Nerissa give Bassanio and Gratiano rings in honour of their love, and make them vow never to be parted from them. Salerio arrives with Lorenzo and Jessica, bringing news that Antonio, unable to repay his loan, has been arrested and that Shylock is demanding his bond. Bassanio returns to Venice with money from Portia to repay the loan. Shylock refuses to listen to Antonio’s pleas.

THE CASE IS HEARD
Disguised as a lawyer called Balthazar and his clerk, Portia and Nerissa travel to Venice to defend Antonio against Shylock, leaving Lorenzo and Jessica in charge of the house. At the court, the Duke of Venice hears Shylock present his case, and though he protests, he accepts the legal validity of Shylock’s claim. Shylock rejects the offer of money from Bassanio. ‘Balthazar’ arrives and agrees that Shylock must take his bond if he refuses to be merciful, but only if the pound of flesh is exactly excised and no blood is spilt. Realizing this cannot be done, Shylock tries to leave, but because he has attempted to take the life of Antonio, his goods are confiscated and his life is in Antonio’s hands. Antonio allows him to live if he agrees to become a Christian and gives his possessions as a dowry to Lorenzo and Jessica when he dies. Shylock agrees, and leaves.

THE RINGS
By way of thanks for their work, the disguised Portia and Nerissa each ask for the rings they had given to Bassanio and Gratiano in their true identities. Reluctantly, the men agree. Portia and Nerissa then return to Belmont, where Jessica and Lorenzo are waiting. When Bassanio and Gratiano arrive soon after, along with Antonio, the women trick their men into begging forgiveness for giving their rings away. They then reveal their identities at the court. Antonio learns that his ships are safe. The couples prepare for married life.

(Synopsis adapted from Shakespeare’s Words by David Crystal and Ben Crystal, Penguin, 2002.)

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