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Cover of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

The Merchant of Venice

  • 147 pages · about 2 hours
  • First published 1600
  • 818 editions
  • Free to read

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1 About this book

In this lively comedy of love and money in sixteenth-century Venice, Bassanio wants to impress the wealthy heiress Portia but lacks the necessary funds. He turns to his merchant friend, Antonio, who is forced to borrow from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender.

When Antonio's business falters, repayment becomes impossible--and by the terms of the loan agreement, Shylock is able to demand a pound of Antonio's flesh. Portia cleverly intervenes, and all ends well (except of course for Shylock).

Good for readers who want: history, mathematics, humor, and a short read.

  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Humor
  • Drama
  • Jewish people
  • Juvenile drama
  • Plays
  • Exercise

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3 About William Shakespeare

1564–1616

William Shakespeare (c. 23 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" or simply "the Bard".

Bio adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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