# The Merchant of Venice

**Author:** William Shakespeare
**Tags:** Drama, Comedies, Jews, Venice (Italy), Moneylenders
**Price:** Free
**Formats:** DOCX, EPUB, FB2, PDF, TXT
**Downloads:** 46
**Added:** 10.07.2026
**URL:** https://samolit.com/books/96503

## Description

In bustling Venice, the generous merchant Antonio finds his fortunes tied up at sea. When his dear friend Bassanio requires funds to pursue the wealthy heiress Portia, Antonio pledges his credit to secure a loan from the embittered Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Driven by long-standing prejudice and a thirst for vengeance against the Christian community, Shylock demands a chilling bond: a pound of Antonio's flesh should the loan go unpaid. As Antonio’s ships are reported lost and the deadline passes, Shylock insists on his grim collateral. The fate of Antonio hangs precariously in a Venetian court, where the clever Portia, disguised as a young lawyer, must navigate the strict letter of the law against the plea for mercy. This compelling drama explores themes of justice, prejudice, love, and the complex relationship between wealth and humanity.