Explanation:
In “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare, Antonio cannot pay back his loan because his ships, which he uses to make money, have been lost at sea. As a result, he is unable to fulfill his agreement with the Jewish moneylender, Shylock, who demands a pound of Antonio’s flesh as collateral. This leads to a legal dispute in court where Antonio’s friend, Portia, disguises herself as a lawyer and defends Antonio’s case.