"The Merchant of Venice"

Paper Summary:

The paper examines how the themes of fidelity and financial gain through greed are the main themes of the "ring plot" in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice". The writer proposes that, by analyzing the symbolic role of the wedding ring as a valuable financial asset, as well as a symbol for loyalty, one can realize the comedic value of Portia's test of Bassanio.

From the Paper:

"In this drama study the crucial "ring plot" in "The Merchant of Venice" will be examined. Both Nerissa and Portia both demand their husband's wedding rings due to the extreme monetary nature of love depicted between suitors and marriage in Shakespeare's play. The factors of infidelity, forced marriage, and the availability of wealth for Portia's suitors offers an solution as to why the rings become symbolic of greed and infidelity in marital issues. In essence, the rings come to symbolize the comedic overtones of greed for money and broken vows of marriage through the Venetian institution of marriage and courtship. In Act V, scene I of The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare acknowledges a triumphant court battle between Shylock and Antonio for a debt accrued for backing Bassanio's courtship fees for Portia."

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