Download The Merchant of Venice PDF: No Fear Shakespeare Edition
- liadecubelrede
- Aug 10, 2023
- 13 min read
No Fear Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice PDF Free Download
Are you looking for a way to enjoy one of Shakespeare's most famous and controversial plays without getting lost in the archaic language and complex plot? If so, you might want to check out No Fear Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice, a modern English translation that preserves the original tone and meaning of the play. In this article, we will tell you what No Fear Shakespeare is, why you should read The Merchant of Venice, and how to download the PDF for free. We will also give you a brief summary and analysis of the play, highlighting its main themes, characters, and language features.
Introduction
What is No Fear Shakespeare?
No Fear Shakespeare is a series of books that offer side-by-side translations of Shakespeare's plays into plain English. The translations are faithful to the original texts, but they use contemporary vocabulary and syntax to make them easier to understand and appreciate. No Fear Shakespeare also provides helpful annotations, summaries, and character lists to help readers follow the action and grasp the nuances of the play. No Fear Shakespeare is ideal for students, teachers, and anyone who wants to enjoy Shakespeare without fear.
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Why read The Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most popular and influential plays. It tells the story of a Jewish moneylender named Shylock who demands a pound of flesh from a Christian merchant named Antonio as collateral for a loan. Antonio's friend Bassanio needs the money to woo Portia, a wealthy heiress who has to choose her husband from among three caskets. The play explores themes such as justice, mercy, prejudice, love, friendship, and loyalty. It also features some of Shakespeare's most memorable characters, such as the witty and clever Portia, the loyal and generous Antonio, the cunning and vengeful Shylock, and the comic and romantic Bassanio. The play is full of dramatic tension, humor, irony, and poetry. It challenges readers to think about the moral dilemmas and conflicts that arise from human nature and society.
How to download the PDF for free?
If you want to read No Fear Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice on your computer or mobile device, you can download the PDF for free from several websites. One of them is No Sweat Shakespeare, which offers a full version of the original text and the modern translation in PDF format. You can also find other websites that offer similar services by searching for "no fear shakespeare merchant of venice pdf free download" on Google or Bing. However, be careful not to download any files that might contain viruses or malware. Always check the source and reputation of the website before downloading anything.
Summary of The Merchant of Venice
Act 1: A loan and a bond
The play begins in Venice, where Antonio, a wealthy merchant, is feeling sad for no apparent reason. His friends Salerio and Solanio suggest that he might be worried about his ships at sea or in love with someone. They are interrupted by Bassanio, Antonio's close friend, who asks Antonio for a loan of 3000 ducats. Bassanio explains that he wants to court Portia, a rich lady from Belmont who has many suitors. Antonio agrees to help Bassanio, but he does not have enough money at hand. He decides to borrow it from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender who hates Antonio for his anti-Semitic remarks and his practice of lending money without interest.
Meanwhile, in Belmont, Portia complains to her maid Nerissa about the strange condition that her father left in his will. He stipulated that Portia can only marry the man who chooses the right casket out of three: one made of gold, one of silver, and one of lead. Each casket has a riddle on it, and only the one that contains Portia's portrait is the correct one. Portia tells Nerissa that she does not like any of her current suitors, and she wishes that Bassanio, whom she met once before, would come to try his luck.
Act 2: A runaway and a lottery
In Venice, Shylock's daughter Jessica elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian friend of Antonio and Bassanio. She steals some of her father's money and jewels and disguises herself as a boy. Shylock is furious and vows to take revenge on Antonio, whom he blames for his daughter's betrayal. He also learns that Antonio's ships have been wrecked and that he will not be able to repay the loan.
In Belmont, Portia receives four more suitors: the Prince of Morocco, the Prince of Arragon, the Duke of Saxony, and Falconbridge, an English baron. They all fail to choose the right casket and leave disappointed. Bassanio arrives with his friend Gratiano and is welcomed by Portia, who secretly hopes that he will win her hand. Bassanio chooses the lead casket, which bears the inscription "Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath". He finds Portia's portrait inside and rejoices. Portia gives him a ring as a token of her love and asks him never to lose it or give it away. Gratiano also proposes to Nerissa and she accepts. They all celebrate their happiness.
Act 3: A trial and a trap
In Venice, Shylock demands that Antonio pay him the 3000 ducats or forfeit the pound of flesh. Antonio cannot pay and is arrested by the Duke's officers. Bassanio hears of his friend's plight and returns to Venice with Portia's money to pay off the debt. However, Shylock refuses to accept any money and insists on his bond. The Duke of Venice presides over the trial and tries to persuade Shylock to show mercy, but he refuses. He also rejects the offer of Bassanio to pay him twice or even ten times the amount owed.
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Portia arrives in Venice disguised as a young lawyer named Balthazar, accompanied by Nerissa disguised as her clerk. She pretends to be sent by Doctor Bellario, a famous legal expert whom the Duke has consulted. She asks to examine the contract and agrees that Shylock has the right to claim a pound of flesh from Antonio. However, she points out that the contract does not mention any blood, and that Shylock must cut exactly one pound of flesh without shedding any blood or harming any other part of Antonio's body. If he does so, he will be guilty of murder and forfeit his property and life. Shylock realizes that he has been trapped and asks for his money instead, but Portia says that he has forfeited that too by conspiring against the life of a citizen. She also accuses him of being an alien who has tried to kill a Venetian, which is punishable by death or confiscation of goods. The Duke spares Shylock's life but orders him to give half of his wealth to Antonio and half to the state. He also forces him to convert to Christianity and to leave his estate to Jessica and Lorenzo when he dies. Antonio agrees to give up his share of Shylock's wealth if Shylock agrees to make a will in favor of his daughter and son-in-law. He also asks for the return of the ring that he gave to Balthazar as a reward for his service. Act 4: A verdict and a twist
Bassanio and Gratiano return to Belmont with Portia and Nerissa, who have resumed their female attire. They are greeted by Lorenzo and Jessica, who are enjoying the moonlit night in Portia's garden. They also meet a messenger who brings news of Antonio's ships, which have safely arrived in port. Portia and Nerissa pretend to be angry with their husbands for giving away their rings to Balthazar and his clerk. They accuse them of being unfaithful and dishonest. Bassanio and Gratiano try to explain and apologize, but Portia and Nerissa refuse to listen. They reveal that they were the ones who disguised themselves as the lawyer and the clerk, and that they have the rings as proof. Bassanio and Gratiano are astonished and ashamed, but Portia and Nerissa forgive them and give them back their rings. They also tell them about the outcome of the trial and the fate of Shylock.
Act 5: A reconciliation and a revelation
The play ends with a happy reunion of all the couples in Portia's house. They exchange stories, jokes, and compliments. They also receive a letter from Antonio, who confirms that his ships have arrived and that he has recovered his fortune. He also informs them that he has pardoned Shylock and allowed him to keep some of his money. He invites them all to come to Venice and celebrate with him. Portia praises Antonio for his generosity and kindness, and invites him to stay with her as her guest. She also reveals that she was the one who sent the letter from Doctor Bellario to the Duke, and that she has obtained Shylock's deed of gift from Antonio. She gives it to Lorenzo and Jessica, who thank her for her generosity and kindness. They all express their gratitude to God for their happiness and prosperity.
Analysis of The Merchant of Venice
Themes and motifs
Some of the major themes and motifs that Shakespeare explores in The Merchant of Venice are:
Justice vs. mercy: The play contrasts the rigid and harsh justice of the law with the flexible and compassionate mercy of the gospel. It shows how justice can be used as a weapon of revenge or oppression, while mercy can be a source of forgiveness or liberation. It also questions whether justice and mercy can coexist or whether they are incompatible.
Prejudice vs. tolerance: The play exposes the prejudice and intolerance that exist between different groups of people, such as Christians and Jews, Venetians and foreigners, men and women, rich and poor. It shows how prejudice can lead to hatred, violence, or injustice, while tolerance can lead to respect, friendship, or harmony. It also challenges the stereotypes and assumptions that people have about each other.
Love vs. money: The play contrasts the different values and motivations that drive people's actions, such as love or money, friendship or greed, loyalty or self-interest. It shows how love can inspire generosity, sacrifice, or devotion, while money can inspire selfishness, deception, or exploitation. It also explores the different forms and expressions of love, such as romantic love, platonic love, familial love, or divine love.
Caskets: The caskets are a recurring motif that symbolize the choices that people make in life. They represent the different criteria that people use to judge others or themselves, such as appearance or reality, outward or inward, material or spiritual. They also reflect the consequences of those choices, such as happiness or disappointment, reward or punishment, life or death.
Characters and relationships
Some of the main characters and relationships that Shakespeare develops in The Merchant of Venice are:
Portia: She is the heroine of the play, who is beautiful, wealthy, intelligent, witty, generous, and virtuous. She is bound by her father's will to marry the man who chooses the right casket, but she secretly favors Bassanio. She disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio from Shylock's bond, and proves her cleverness and courage in court. She also tests Bassanio's fidelity by asking for his ring.
Bassanio: He is the hero of the play, who is handsome, charming, adventurous, loyal, and romantic. He is a friend of Antonio's who borrows money from him to woo Portia. He chooses the lead casket correctly a contrast or emphasis. For example, the caskets have rhyming inscriptions on them, such as "Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire" (gold), "Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves" (silver), and "Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath" (lead). Rhyme also marks the end of some scenes or speeches, such as Portia's famous speech on mercy: "The quality of mercy is not strained / It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven / Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: / It blesseth him that gives and him that takes" (Act 4 Scene 1).
Prose: The play also uses prose, which is ordinary language without any metrical structure. Prose is usually reserved for lower-class or comic characters, such as Launcelot Gobbo, Shylock's clownish servant, or the Prince of Morocco's attendant. Prose creates a contrast with the more elevated and poetic language of the main characters, and reflects their social status or personality. For example, Launcelot Gobbo speaks in prose when he makes jokes or puns, such as "Certainly my conscience will serve me to run from this Jew my master. The fiend is at mine elbow and tempts me, saying to me 'Gobbo, Launcelot Gobbo, good Launcelot,' or 'good Gobbo,' or 'good Launcelot Gobbo, use your legs, take the start, run away'" (Act 2 Scene 2).
Figurative language: The play also uses various types of figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, irony, and allusion. Figurative language is used to create vivid images, comparisons, or contrasts that enhance the meaning or effect of the words. For example, Shylock uses a metaphor when he compares his bond with Antonio to a "merry sport" (Act 1 Scene 3), implying that he enjoys the idea of torturing him. Portia uses a simile when she compares herself to an "unlessoned girl" (Act 3 Scene 2), suggesting that she is inexperienced and naive in love. Antonio uses personification when he describes his ships as "rich burghers on the flood" (Act 1 Scene 1), giving them human qualities and status. Bassanio uses hyperbole when he says that he would "give and hazard all he hath" (Act 3 Scene 2) for Portia, exaggerating his devotion and willingness to risk everything for her. The play also uses irony, which is a contrast between what is said and what is meant or expected, such as when Shylock says that he will be Antonio's "friend" (Act 1 Scene 3), but he actually hates him and wants to harm him. The play also uses allusion, which is a reference to another work of literature or history, such as when Portia quotes from the Bible: "The Hebrew will turn Christian: he grows kind" (Act 4 Scene 1), referring to Shylock's forced conversion.
Conclusion
Key takeaways and recommendations
In conclusion, No Fear Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice is a great way to enjoy one of Shakespeare's most famous and controversial plays without getting lost in the language or the plot. It offers a modern English translation that preserves the original tone and meaning of the play, as well as helpful annotations, summaries, and character lists. It also helps readers to understand and appreciate the themes, characters, and language features that make the play so rich and complex.
If you are interested in reading No Fear Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice, you can download the PDF for free from No Sweat Shakespeare or other websites that offer similar services. However, be careful not to download any files that might contain viruses or malware. Always check the source and reputation of the website before downloading anything.
We hope that this article has given you some useful information and insights about No Fear Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice. We recommend that you read the play for yourself and form your own opinions and interpretations. We also encourage you to explore other works by Shakespeare and discover why he is considered one of the greatest writers of all time.
FAQs
Q: What is the main conflict in The Merchant of Venice?
A: The main conflict in The Merchant of Venice is between Shylock and Antonio, who represent two different worldviews and values: Judaism vs. Christianity, law vs. mercy, money vs. love.
Q: What is the moral of The Merchant of Venice?
A: The moral of The Merchant of Venice is that mercy is more powerful and noble than justice, and that love is more valuable and lasting than money. The play also teaches that prejudice and intolerance are harmful and unjust, and that people should not judge others by their appearance or religion.
Q: Who is the most sympathetic character in The Merchant of Venice?
A: The most sympathetic character in The Merchant of Venice is arguably Shylock, who is a victim of discrimination and injustice at the hands of the Christians. He has been mistreated, insulted, and robbed by Antonio and his friends, and he has lost his daughter, his money, his religion, and his dignity. He is driven by a desire for revenge, but he also has a human side that shows his pain and suffering.
Q: Who is the most villainous character in The Merchant of Venice?
A: The most villainous character in The Merchant of Venice is arguably Antonio, who is a hypocrite and a bigot. He claims to be a merciful and generous Christian, but he is cruel and hateful towards Shylock and the Jews. He lends money without interest, but he also exploits and endangers his friends. He shows no remorse or gratitude for being spared by Portia's intervention, and he forces Shylock to convert to Christianity against his will.
Q: What is the role of Portia in The Merchant of Venice?
A: Portia is the role model and the heroine of The Merchant of Venice. She is a strong, smart, and independent woman who defies the patriarchal norms and expectations of her society. She uses her wit and courage to outsmart her suitors, to save Antonio from Shylock's bond, and to test Bassanio's loyalty. She also shows mercy and generosity to Shylock and his daughter, and she reconciles the conflicts and misunderstandings among the characters.
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