The Merchant of Venice - William Shakespeare

nIn The Merchant of Venice, the path to marriage is hazardous. To win Portia, Bassanio must pass a test prescribed by her father's will, choosing correctly among three caskets or chests. If he fails, he may never marry at all.

nBassanio and Portia also face a magnificent villain, the moneylender Shylock. In creating Shylock, Shakespeare seems to have shared in a widespread prejudice against Jews. Shylock would have been regarded as a villain because he was a Jew.

Yet he gives such powerful expression to his alienation due to the hatred around him that, in many productions, he emerges as the hero. n nPortia is most remembered for her disguise as a lawyer, Balthazar, especially the speech in which she urges Shylock to show mercy that droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven. n nThe authoritative edition of The Merchant of Venice from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes: n n-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play n n-Newly revised explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play n n-Scene-by-scene plot summaries n n-A key to the play's famous lines and phrases n n-An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language n n-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play n n-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books n n-An up-to-date annotated guide to further reading n nEssay by Alexander Leggatt n nThe Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe.

In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger. edu.n