*The Merchant of Venice* is a comedy by William Shakespeare set in Venice, Italy. The play tells the story of Bassanio, a young Venetian who is in love with Portia, a wealthy heiress. Bassanio needs money to travel to Belmont, Portia's home, and he turns to his friend Antonio, a wealthy merchant. Antonio agrees to lend Bassanio the money, but he is unable to repay the loan when it is due because his ships have been lost at sea. To settle his debt, Antonio agrees to give Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, a pound of his own flesh. Shylock is determined to claim his bond, but Portia, disguised as a lawyer, saves Antonio by pointing out that Shylock is not entitled to take any of Antonio's blood with the flesh. Bassanio is able to marry Portia, and Antonio is saved from Shylock's bond.
Act 1
The play opens in Venice, where Antonio, a wealthy merchant, is worried about his ships that are overdue at sea. He is concerned that he may not be able to repay his debts if the ships are lost. His friend Bassanio, a young man in love with the wealthy Portia, asks Antonio for a loan so he can travel to Belmont, Portia's home. Antonio agrees to lend Bassanio the money, but he is unable to repay the loan when it is due.
Act 2
Portia is living in Belmont with her waiting woman, Nerissa. She is being wooed by a number of suitors, but she is not interested in any of them. She receives a letter from her cousin, Bassanio, telling her that he has decided to come to Belmont to court her, but he needs some time to pay for his transportation and accommodations. Portia is overjoyed and decides to help Bassanio by giving him a loan of money.
Act 3
Bassanio arrives in Belmont and meets with Portia. They fall in love, and Bassanio asks Portia to marry him. Portia agrees, and they are married.
Act 4
Antonio's ships have been lost at sea, and he is unable to repay his debt to Shylock. To settle his debt, Antonio agrees to give Shylock a pound of his own flesh. Shylock is determined to claim his bond, and he takes Antonio to court.
Act 5
Portia, disguised as a lawyer, saves Antonio by pointing out that Shylock is not entitled to take any of Antonio's blood with the flesh. Bassanio is able to marry Portia, and Antonio is saved from Shylock's bond.