I feel that The Merchant of Venice is a tragicomedy. Because it has elements from both tradjedy and comedic plays. First to prove he comedic traits, in a comedy, the characters can adjust well to change or a shift in their life story. This holds true for the leading female Portia when she is forced to be wedded to whichever man picks the chest that holds her portrait in it. The two first princes failed at attempting this and the winner was Bassanio who she we'd and seemed to accept. Portia's reaction to her new husband wasn't so shocking because she was talking with Narissa about how much she didn't like prince Morrocco's skin tone, but when he came to her, she seemed flirty, like she was getting along with him. The second example of the comedic side to this play is Shylock who is the villain and how mean he seems to be to everyone. The story isn't even at an end yet and it already seems that he is being punished for his actions. His cruel acts to everyone was paid back with his daughter Jessica deciding to steal his money and jewels, ditch her father, and run off with a Christian boy whom her dad doesn't even like. Shylock's life is beginning to take a downward spiral. The tragedy in this play seems to be linked up with the two main male roles, Bassanio and Antonio who seem to have a sort of homosexual relationship going on. At least Antonio does. Antonio seems to like Bassanio but he is a bit frustrated and distressed because the affection he is putting out towards Bassanio is not being given back in any way, shape or form. Bassanio wants Portia because she is beautiful and she has lots of wealth. So, in order to travel from their current location which is Venice to go all the way to Portia's domain in Belmont, he needs Antonio's money which Antonio gives to him. Because of the major money withdrawal that Antonio has now done in order to benefit his friend, he is very near broke.
No comments:
Post a Comment