The Merchant of Venice Author:William Shakespeare Debt-ridden Bassiano wishes to join the suitors vying to win the hand of the beautiful young heiress, Portia. To succeed, he must use his friend Antonio's credit to borrow even more money in order to finance his effort...and then he must win her heart...and solve the puzzle of the three caskets: one of gold, one of silver, one of lead. And all t... more »his is just the start of the complications in this whirlwind comedy in which commerce meets romance and the nature of obligations of all kinds are explored. There is the ring, symbol of commitment, passed round and round and round. There is the moneylender Shylock and lessons of hate and prejudice begetting more hate and prejudice. And there is the unanswered question of Antonio and who it is that he loves?« less