Approaching Shakespeare The Merchant of Venice
Nov 20, 2012
This podcast discusses the complex themes of love, money, and justice in Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. It explores the gender roles and structural inevitability within the play, as well as the parallels between Belmont and Venice. The economic system of mercantilism and the importance of merchants are also analyzed, along with the religious controversy surrounding usury. The symbolism of the lead casket and its connection to finance and money lending is explored, emphasizing the mercantile bonds and hazards portrayed in the casket scene.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Caskets and Mercantile Culture
- The Merchant of Venice deeply engages with money and mercantile culture.
- The casket scenes are key to understanding these themes.
Fairy Tale Tropes
- Bassanio likely chooses lead due to fairy tale conventions.
- These tales often feature choices where less desirable options are correct.
Gender Role Reversal
- Shakespeare flips the gender roles in the casket story from his source material.
- In the original, a woman chooses; in Shakespeare, a man does.