The Merchant of Venice

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

----by Shakespeare

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

daughter Jessica

Shylock

Good friend

Bassaniowife

Antonio

Portia

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

Portia was a rich man’s daughter. According to her father’s will, she got three boxes: a gold box, a silver one , and a lead one(铅盒). If somebody chose the box contained her portrait(肖像),then she would marry the man. Then, suitors(求婚 者)from all corners of the world gathered here to marry this fairy maiden.

portia

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

Venice:in the town,a young man named Bassanio whoheard about this news determined to win Portia. However, he needed three thousand ducats(硬币)to reach his goal.For lack of money,he had to turn to his good friend, rich merchant Antonio for help. Unfortunately,at this time , Antonio’s money was put into the business,he could not withdraw it right now.To help his best friend,Antonio was forced to borrow money from a wealthy Jewish scrivener(放债人) Shylock.

Bassanio and Antonio

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

Shylock

was a man who always practised usury(高利 贷).Different from Shylock ,Antonio lent money to people and never accepted interest. But this time,Shylock agreed to lend Antonio money without interest. He put forward a strange request.If Antonio could not repay the debt on time , he could cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body.And Antonio signed the contract.

Shylock

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

With

money ,Bassanio went to chase Portia.Luckily,he chose(追求) the lead box equipped with Portia’s portrait .At this moment ,Bassanio heard about Antonio’s lawsuit(诉讼案件) .So he held a wedding ceremony in a hurry .

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

Shylock‘s daughter, Jessica eloped(私奔) at the help of Antonio and stole her father’s money and jewelry. So Shylock hated Antonio very much . When he learned that Antonio’s loss of offshore investment ,he decided to revenge(报仇) .So he sued(起诉) Antonio.

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

In

court, Shylock asked Antonio to perform the contract.In other words ,Antonio must cut one pound of flesh from his own body .The judges had no clues to do with Shylock . At the last minute,a new judge disguised by Portia came to tackle(着手处理)the matter .According to the contract, Portia agreed Shylock to cut meat from Antonio,but he must master the weight,neither more nor less,just the right amount ,and he must promise cut without a drop of blood and Antonio’s life safety .

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

Shylock couldn't do it and had to throw the contract. In this way ,Portia skillfully saved Antonio's life. Finally, everything was illuminated, Bassanio knew his wife was the great judge.He felt very thankful for Portia’s help and loved her much more.Antonio got his own property.

威尼斯商人故事梗概。

威尼斯商人故事梗概。