I have some mixed feelings about this play. In general the whole play does not make much sense to me. Unlike the previous two plays that we read, the Merchant of Venice has some holes in the plot. Antonio comes across as a martyr. He repeatedly entreats the Duke to let Shylock have his bond. The play never explains why he is sad or why he is so quick to let Shylock have his bond. Portia sends Bassanio away to help Antonio and then follows him to Venice in secrecy to do exactly the same thing. As if, she is completely sure of her husband’s incompetency. It is almost like she has something to prove. This brings up the part where Portia and Nerrissa play every single male in Venice for a fool. Once again there is no context as to why they decide to do so. The ring fiasco is also strange. Portia and Nerrisa put their husbands into a silly situation, in which – Antonio and Grattiano – have to decide between compromising their wedding vows and granting the only wish of the people who saved Antonio’s life.  Also, Portia knows about the welfare of Antonio’s ships but chooses not to tell him where she got her information from. I think that, since there are so many loose ends in the play and the plot does not make much sense then it was meant to be that way. I think that the play was made for purely entertainment purposes.

1.  I find it interesting that in a play that is heavily concerned with the interactions between Christians and Jews, there are many references to Greek and Roman deities.
2. Portia, Jessica and Nerrissa dress up in men’s clothing. Some contrast can be drawn to the logistical aspects of Shakespearean plays where men always play the roles of women.