Bassanio, a young Venetian, needs a loan of 3,000 ducats so he can properly woo Portia, a wealthy heiress. To get the necessary funds, Bassanio approaches his friend Antonio, a merchant. Antonio's money, unfortunately, is invested in merchant ships that are presently at sea; however, to help Bassanio, Antonio arranges for a short-term loan from Shylock, a Jewish usurer. Shylock, who has been humiliated on a number of occasions by Antonio decides to teach him a lesson by striking a frightening ba find out more...