Merchant of Venice Author:William Shakespeare Bassanio, a noble but penniless Venetian, asks his wealthy friend Antonio for a loan so as to impress and woo the heiress Portia. Antonio's money is currently tied up, so he borrows the sum from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, on the condition that if the loan is not repaid on time Antonio will forfeit a pound of his flesh. News arrives that Anto... more »nio's investments have failed. So Shylock demands his pound of flesh when Antonio is unable to repay the loan. Portia, dressed as a male lawyer, pleads Antonio's case in court. But Shylock is unswayed by her "quality of mercy" speech. Portia admits Shylock's claim but warns him he is not entitled to any of Antonio's blood. If any blood is spilled, Shylock must die. The contract is cancelled and Shylock is ordered to give half his estate to Antonio. But Antonia tells Shylock that if he converts to Christianity and restores his daughter's inheritance, he will let Shylock keep his estate intact. Shylock agrees and the play ends with the news that Antonio's investments have not failed.« less