Bullet Journal – April 2019
Continuing with the Shakespeare theme, we chose The Merchant of Venice for April. It’s only fitting to draw a landmark of Venice as a cover page for this month’s theme. The Rialto bridge which was completed in 1591 designed by Antonio da Ponte. Around the time when the play was believed to have been written.
The Merchant of Venice is a play about friendship and loyalty. Antonio is the merchant who helps his friend Bassanio by acting as a loan guarantor for Bassanio’s funds to be able to propose to a rich woman.
They were able to lend money from Shylock with one condition. A pound of flesh if the loan is not paid on time. Antonio’s ship and merchandise has been reported missing therefore could not pay the loan on the date that was agreed on.
In order to marry Portia, Bassanio had to choose the correct casket with Portia’s portrait, a stipulation that Portia’s father had put forth before passing. Bassanio and Portia got married after choosing the lead box.
Antonio prepared himself to pay for his debt. Bassanio offered Shylock money but Shylock insisted on the pound of flesh per the agreement. Portia, disguised as a doctor of the law, outsmarted Shylock and Shylock received punishment since it was too late for him to take Bassanio’s offer.
Portia then later revealed herself to Bassanio. He did not only marry a rich woman, but also a smart and intelligent one. In the end, Antonio’s ship came back and did not loose his fortune after all.