The document summarizes sources for elements in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. It draws from the 14th century tale Il Pecorone by Giovanni Fiorentino for the test of the suitors at Belmont and the merchant's rescue by his friend's new wife disguised as a lawyer. Elements of the trial scene also come from The Orator by Alexandre Sylvane. The story of the three caskets is found in the 13th century collection Gesta Romanorum. It also examines Shakespeare's portrayal of Shylock and Antonio, as well as comedic elements and the play's powerful use of language.

1. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

2. SOURCES
The test of the suitors at Belmont, the
merchant's rescue from the "pound of
flesh" penalty by his friend's new wife
disguised as a lawyer, and her demand
for the betrothal ring in payment are all
elements present in the 14th-century tale
Il Pecorone by Giovanni Fiorentino.
Elements of the trial scene are also
found in The Orator by Alexandre
Sylvane.
The story of the three caskets can be
found in Gesta Romanorum, a collection
of tales probably compiled at the end of
the 13th century.

4. SHYLOCK, A VILLAIN?
• He is traditionally seen as
the evil character of the
comedy but he shows
some human memorable
traits as his love to his
daughter or his sense of
belonging to his
community.
• His revenge is fostered by
the deep prejudice he is
victim of

5. ANTONIO, A TRUE FRIEND?
HE IS READY TO DIE FOR HIS FRIEND
HE PUTS AT RISK ALL HIS BELONGINGS
BUT HE DOESN’T SHOW ANY RESPECT FOR JEWS
HE FEELS SUPERIOR TO THEM
HIS PREJUDICE DOES NOT HAVE ANY LOGICAL
REASON

7. ELEMENTS TAKEN FROM COMEDIES
• The happy ending
• The use of farcical elements
• Disguise
• Presence of comic characters
• Symbolical use of numbers as three as for caskets
or weddings

8. USEOF
LANGUAGE
POWERFUL
SPEECHES AS THE
ONES BY PORTIA OR
SHYLOCK,
SKILLFUL USE OF
PUNS AND SAYINGS
STRIKING
METAPHORS,
CONTRAST OF
LINGUISTIC
REGISTERS