Antonio and Bassanio - 1173 Words

Antonio and Bassanio Antonio and Bassanio are mainly presented as a pair throughout the play. Their relationship, reaction of other characters towards them, thoughts and feeling they express are significant factors that contribute to answering the question. In the preformed version of Michael Radford Merchant of Venice there is a strong depiction of homosexuality, which is his own analysis of their relationship. This could alter the audience’s view on the play, as this theme is noticeable and quite obvious. There are various themes that go on from beginning to end of the play one of which is the law in Venice. This scene shows how anxious Bassanio is about Antonio losing his pound of flesh to shylock. In the preformed version you†¦show more content†¦An Important action that occurs in this scene is the kiss between Antonio and Bassanio. Michael Radford chose this to be in his film as he felt there could be a homosexual side to this play written by William Shakespeare. The director uses a close up to show the intimate moment they both share. They express their love for each other with this kiss. This wasn’t something they wanted people to know which is why they were in a room where no one else was as well as they had everyone go away so they could have their privacy. This is probably why Antonio overreacted when Solanio says that they might be in love. Also In this scene Bassanio and Antonio are in a Bedroom, which in its self adds an underlying effect of homosexuality to the scene. They soon both get onto the bed and start to talk; this could symbolise that they are really comfortable around each other or that they are gay. This is evidence that they have a really strong relationship since they can feel relaxed around each other. Also they are talking about marriage but only focusing on money which is why they start talking about Portia. Bassanio wants to marry Portia for her status and money not really for love furthermore this make them sound really superficial and Antonio encourages the idea. The fact that Bassanio needed money and Antonio was willing to supply him withShow MoreRelatedRelationship Between Antonio And Bassanio1609 Words   |  7 Pagesrelationship between Antonio and Bassanio. Some have speculated that the relationship between the two men is homosexual, while others believe that the relationship is purely a male friendship. This conflicting opinion is depicted through the 1973 film production directed by John Sichel and the 2004 film production directed by Michael Radford. The 1973 film portrays a male friendship, whereas the 2004 film depicts a homosexual relationship. These contrasting perceptions of Antonio and Bassanio are emphasizedRead MoreThe Homosexual Relationship Between Antonio and Bassanio in William Shakespeare’s the Merchant of Venice1673 Words   |  7 PagesThe Homosexual Relationship Between Antonio and Bassanio in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice Tsun-Hsien Tsai Sophomore Student, Department of English National Changhua University of Education There are many pairs of male adults with honorable masculine friendships appearing in William Shakespeare’s popular plays, such as Antonio and Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice, Antonio and Sebastian in Twelfth Night, the two kings Leonates and Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale, and so on. No matterRead MoreThe Merchant Of Venice By William Shakespeare1076 Words   |  5 Pageshis happiness is Bassanio. The second character who has found happiness in this play is Antonio. The third character who has found happiness is Jessica. When an individual risk their lives for their love ones, then they will be happy because their love ones is safe and happy. Bassanio, a gentleman of Venice, and a kinsman and a dear friend to Antonio. Bassanio is desperately in need of money to court Portia, a wealthy heiress who lives in the city of Belmont. Bassanio asks Antonio, a Venetian merchantRead MoreFriendship By William Shakespeare s The Merchant Of Venice1727 Words   |  7 Pagesone another. Antonio and Bassanio are the best of friends. Although both Antonio and Bassanio’s characters possess different motivations for their actions, it is their strong sense of loyalty to their friendship which reveals most about their characters. This is true in several cases, such as Bassanio’s guilt over his request for financial support, Antonio and Bassanio’s reactions to Shylock’s offer, Antonio’s acceptance of his forfeiture and, lastly, Bassanio’s return to aid Antonio. At the outsetRead MoreRelationship Between Female Friendships And Their Influence On Martial Ties Essay1337 Words   |  6 Pagesuniversal heat, and [are] equally tempered† (Montaigne 222). Friendship ties can be beneficial to marital relations; however, they can also prove to be detrimental. As shown through textual evidence, Bassanio and Portia’s marriage is impacted due to the homo-social triangle, Bassanio’s undying love for Antonio, and societal expectations of marriage and friendship. Male-to-male relationships were highly significant due to their extensive influence spanning from matters of finance to issues of the heartRead More Essay on Death and Love in The Merchant of Venice1666 Words   |  7 Pagessuffered but died for his cause, his passion, his love. Bassanio may not be the most worthy cause to die for, but in Act IV of Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, Antonio is resigned to do so. In his final words before Shylock is set to extract his pound of flesh, Antonio has abandoned efforts to prevent his punishment and assures Bassanio that the deed must be done for the benefit of all. Despite the grisly and morbid nature of the procedure, Antonio has many reasons to die under such circumstances.Read More Merchant of Venice Essay: Antonios Love for Bassanio1721 Words   |  7 PagesLove for Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Antonio feels closer to Bassanio than any other character in The Merchant of Venice. Our first clue to this is in the first scene when, in conversation with Antonio, Solanio says, Here comes Bassanio, your most noble kinsman, / Gratiano, and Lorenzo. Fare ye well: / We leave you now with better company (i. i. 57-59). Once Antonio is alone with Bassanio, the conversation becomes more intimate, and Antonio offers an indebted Bassanio My purseRead More Homosexuality in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice1474 Words   |  6 Pagesmerchant of Venice, Antonio, displays this homosexual identity that might only be recognizable to the modern day reader. Through a close reading of a speech given by Antonio, one can begin to understand the significance of Shakespeare’s word choice and how it plays into this idea of homosexuality. The main plotline of The Merchant of Venice sets up this underlying theme of homosexuality. Bassanio, a friend of Antonio’s, presents Antonio with a proposition. Bassanio asks that he enterRead MoreMerchant of Venice Antonio858 Words   |  4 Pagesbest describes the character of Antonio in your question. In â€Å"Merchant of Venice†, Antonio is the main character as he is the â€Å"merchant† in the story in Venice. As Antonio is a Christian, he is quite anti-Semitic and rude to Shylock, making some people believe that he is spiteful and bigoted. However, most of the play centers on him being the victim of the â€Å"villain† of the play, Shylock due to their bond they made. As Antonio is willing to give everything for Bassanio without any payment and he strikesRead MoreMerchant Of Venice Analysis1046 Words   |  5 Pagesvery theory is seen very early on in the play with the interactions of Bassanio and Antonio. Bassanio, a young man of wealthy upbringing, has run his fortune to the ground and is painstakingly in love with a Portia. As customary of the age, he must present a dowry to Portia’s family to show his worth to take her as his wife. Bassanio, having no money, implores his friend Antonio to lend him the money needed to woo Portia. Antonio, a wealthy merchant, tells his friend that his fortune lies in ships