To what extent is money the most significant theme of the play in ‘The Merchant of Venice?

Richard Byles
The issue of money is an interesting aspect of Shakespeare’s play in that it’s desirability affects almost every character, and certainly fuels the protagonist’s feud which leads to the demise of Shylock’s integrity. It is important to take into consideration the time in which the play was set, where people in the middle classes grew and became wealthier and wealthier, thus allowing its members increasing freedoms, luxuries, and voice in the local government. They often took advantage of the opportunities afforded to them through this social growth.

In the opening scene we are introduced to Antonio, a successful businessman who deals in the trade of goods, and his good friend Bassanio who needs some money to clear his debts. We are immediately made aware of the implications that money will have in the play when Bassanio is asked by Antonio who is the ‘lady to whom he swore a secret pilgrimage to’, he begins his answer talking about the burden of ‘...