Antonio Analysis Flashcards
(3 cards)
“In sooth, I know not why I am so sad”
Opening of the play.
Acts as irony as Antonio is surrounded by friends, yet he still feels unhappy
Could be used to represent Antonio’s sexual repression and his feelings towards Bassanio
Could be representing the similarity between the characters of Antonio and Shylock, who both feel unhappy with themselves and feel like the outsider, suggesting that they are not that different. Criticises the Christian treatment of Shylock as they believe he is different and worth less than them, but in reality he is just like them.
“My purse, my person, my extremist means lie all unlocked to your occasion”
Triadic Structure shows Antonio’s devotion to Bassanio
Exposes the uneven relationship between the two, where Antonio is willing to do anything for Bassanio, while he just uses Antonio for money.
Symbolic of repressed feelings towards Bassanio by offering “his person”.
Suggests a sense of desperation from Antonio - he knows Bassanio wants money so that is what he offers first, but then he adds on extra things Bassanio has available, perhaps in an effort to intrigue Bassanio and cause him to recognise Antonio’s feelings
“The Hebrew will turn Christian: he grows kind”
Antonio displays prejudice against Shylock for being Jewish.
Exposes the hypocrisy of the Christian characters within the play who believe they are superior to Jews.
A modern audience may feel critical of this following events such as the Holocaust and with current events like the conflict in Gaza.
Contextually links to Tracy Ann-Oberman’s ‘Merchant of Venice 1936’, where Shylock is depicted as a Jew at a time when Antisemitic fascist and nationalist movements were gaining support within Europe.
