The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice The Merchant of Venice is one of the most famous plays by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1596. Nominally, the play is designated as a comedy, but the tragedy of one of the main characters makes this work be regarded more as a drama. The first production took place presumably in 1598. Plot The action takes place partly in Venice. Young Bassanio, who is in debt, decided to marry the rich beauty Portia and asks for help from his friend — the Venetian merchant Antonio. Antonio does not refuse him and borrows money from the Jewish pawnbroker Shylock. According to the terms of the bill, if he does not repay the debt on time, then Shylock has the right to cut a pound of meat from the merchant's body.