The Merchant of Venice Level 2 for Class 6

William Shakespeare born on April 23 1564 in Stratford-on-Avon. He was the third child of John Shakespeare a leather merchant and Mary Arden. William had two elder sisters Joan and Judith and three younger brothers Gilbert Richard and Edmund. Shakespeare was an English poet playwright dramatist and actor who is till now regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”. He is also extensively considered the greatest dramatist of all time. Shakespeare plays confines a complete collection of human emotions and conflict. In the period of two decades i.e. from about 1590 to 1613 he wrote a total of 37 plays depicted the main themes of the time like histories tragedies comedies and tragicomedies. He also wrote several comedies and plays. The Merchant of Venice is a romantic comedy like most of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies despite its dark and threatening moments. This comedy is a contrast between the realistic and idealistic opinions about society and relationships. The play depicts the importance of love and friendship money. The play revolves between religious broad-mindedness and personal revenge. In between it is devoid of mercy. But Portia somehow manages to bring mercy when Shylock faces execution for his crimes. She persuades the duke to pardon him. Portia’s presence turns the proceedings away from violence and towards forgiveness. In between Shakespeare deliberately makes fun of the Christian’s attitudes towards the Jews. Most of the play is written in verse (poetry) and rest in prose. Ultimately he prevents the play from simplifying life too much. Beneath the apparently clear-cut cultural divisions in the play there is an awareness of the complexities of real life.