Love in The Merchant of Venice
Love is a complicated aspect of human nature that defines the character of an individual and their values, as demonstrated in many of the works of William Shakespeare. In Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, the loving relationships that are formed, or in some cases not formed, among many of the characters create both accord and conflict in Venice. The love that Antonio and Bassanio have for each other is crucial to the development of the plot and creates repercussions for other characters, such as Shylock.
In addition, the commitment of love through marriage is highly valued by Portia in particular, who is one of the few characters in the play that values love without any superficial motivations, such as social status or wealth. While many value love because of the physical and emotional connection one can form with another human being, characters such as Bassanio and Shylock prioritize material goods rather than their companion. The matter of love is perplexing in The Merchant of Venice due to the lack of consistency of actions to demonstrate true love among the characters in the play.
The bond that is shared between Antonio and Bassanio throughout the play portrays two very committed and loyal friends that borders homosexuality. By examining Antonio’s behavior, it is made obvious through his actions that he profoundly cares for Bassanio. Before entering into the agreement with Shylock, Antonio pledges, “My purse, my person, my extremest means/ Lie all unlocked to your occasions,” therefore promising everything that he has—including himself— to Bassanio (1.
1.138-139). Antonio’s commitment is very serious as he later does have to risk a pound of his own flesh so that Bassanio can remain happy with Portia. When Shylock attempts to obtain his collateral for Antonio’s inability to pay, Bassanio is visibly upset when he reads the letter Salerio delivers from Antonio. Portia notes, “There are some shrewd contents in yond same paper/ That steals the color from Bassanio’s cheek,” when Bassanio discovers that all of Antonio’s ships have failed to complete their journeys to their respective destinations (3.2.241-242).
If Bassanio did not really care about Antonio and was only using him exclusively for his resources, Bassanio would not have reacted in this way when hearing this shocking news. Even though Bassanio demonstrates concern in this way, a stark contrast is created toward the end of the play when Antonio risks his life again for Bassanio. Antonio promises, “I once did lend my body for his wealth, / Which but for him that had your husband’s ring / Had quite miscarried. I dare be bound again, / My soul upon the forfeit, that your lord / Will never more break faith advisedly,” a very strong-willed promise intended for someone that almost caused Antonio’s death (5.1.249-253). After Antonio again declares his commitment to his friend through this additional act of love, Bassanio does not acknowledge this sacrifice but instead is more concerned with Portia’s deception towards him. Bassanio does not even seem to be affected when Portia proclaims that some of Antonio’s ships have docked safely. The lack of interest shown by Bassanio towards the sacrifices that Antonio has made for him in multiple instances within the play establishes the possibility that Antonio is a financial and social resource, rather than a friend. Bassanio’s high level of self-interest casts doubt on whether he desires a romantic relationship with Antonio.
While it may be more evident that Antonio may have a love interest in Bassanio, Bassanio’s intentions may not be as clear. Antonio is willing to risk his livelihood, reputation, and life to ensure Bassanio’s happiness. The promises that Antonio pledges to Bassanio resemble the promises that couples make in their wedding vows, which illustrates the essence of Antonio’s love for Bassanio. In contrast, Bassanio does sacrifice his ring and the promise he made to Portia in exchange for Antonio’s love. Although Bassanio does not willingly give the ring to Balthazar (Portia) and its meaning away at first, Antonio persists, “My lord Bassanio, let him have the ring. /Let his deservings and my love withal / Be valued ’gainst your wife’s commandment” (4.2.447-449). Portia’s test of Bassanio’s loyalty demonstrates that he may be more loyal to Antonio than the audience may have thought in the beginning of the play, which may cast doubt on Bassanio’s relationship with Portia.
Portia takes her relationship with Bassanio very seriously throughout the entire play and expects Bassanio to demonstrate the same level as respect towards her. Portia was thrilled when Bassanio passed the casket test and makes him pledge his loyalty to her, using a ring to symbolize their intimate relationship. Part of the commitment to Portia includes, “when this ring / Parts from this finger, then parts life from hence: / Oh, then be bold to say Bassanio’s dead,” showing the reality of Portia’s thoughts toward Bassanio (3.2.183-185). Bassanio understands the great importance of his relationship with Portia but still concedes to Antonio’s advice when Bassanio gives the ring away as a token of gratitude for saving Antonio’s life. Portia is rather forgiving at the end of the play because, even though he broke his pledge of devotion, Bassanio still remains married to Portia. The time constraint that Bassanio experienced when deciding whether to give away the ring gives the audience insight regarding the way Bassanio truly feels. When under pressure, it appears Bassanio chooses Antonio instead of his wife to whom he already pledged unconditional love and loyalty. In addition, Portia understood the distress her spouse was experiencing when Antonio’s life was at stake and reacted in a way to relieve Bassanio’s worry.
Portia acts as a highly devoted wife in The Merchant of Venice, even though her husband may not appear to be very devoted. As previously mentioned, Bassanio was highly disturbed when discovering that Antonio will not be able to financially repay his loan with Shylock, but instead having to pay with his own flesh. Portia also appeared hurt as she was forced to watch Bassanio suffer for his friend. Rather than being apathetic towards the situation, Portia creates a functional plan and carries out the plan to help Bassanio and Antonio. In fact, Portia sees attributes of Bassanio in Antonio’s personality and states:
for in companions / That do converse and waste the time together, / Whose souls do bear an equal yoke of love, / There must needs be a like proportion / Of lineaments, of manners, and of spirit; / Which makes me think that this Antonio, / Being the bosom lover of my lord, / Must needs be like my lord (3.4.11-18).
Portia’s understanding of Bassanio’s relationship with Antonio expresses that the three of them are very similar individuals and cannot function without each other, since their similar personalities reflect upon each other. Since Bassanio and Portia are now married, Portia feels a sense of obligation to not only improve her husband’s well-being, but also protect Antonio as his loan is what created their relationship.
This type of love that Portia shows toward both Bassanio and Antonio is very intense and dedicated because she cares deeply for both men. Bassanio does not seem to care as deeply for Portia as he does for Antonio due to his decision making when there a choice must be made between his wife or his best friend. Bassanio desires to be a good husband toward Portia, as he struggled to give up the ring and seems remorseful at the end of the play, but the ring test and his devotion to Antonio both create a contradiction in his love life. Bassanio’s marriage to Portia complicates his relationship with Antonio. Bassanio is socially obligated to care for and love Portia but may feel more personally inclined to love Antonio and cherish his acts of love.
