Relationship Between Antonio And Bassanio - 1609 Words

In William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, there have been two main interpretations of the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio. Some have speculated that the relationship between the two men is homosexual, while others believe that the relationship is purely a male friendship. This conflicting opinion is depicted through the 1973 film production directed by John Sichel and the 2004 film production directed by Michael Radford. The 1973 film portrays a male friendship, whereas the 2004 film depicts a homosexual relationship. These contrasting perceptions of Antonio and Bassanio are emphasized by the actions of other characters, as well as other factors. There are four main scenes where Antonio and Bassanio are seen together. The†¦show more content†¦Antonio joins Bassanio on the bed. As Bassanio describes Portia, the camera switches to her in a dreamlike manner, with music playing in the background. Upon hearing this news, Antonio looks down-hearted and gets up from the bed. Regardless, Antonio somewhat reluctantly gives Bassanio permission to use his credit. With a grim smile, Lorenzo kisses Antonio on the lips. Once the kiss is finished, Antonio stares at Bassanio, in despair. The opening scene of the play present a stark contrast between the films and the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio. The contrast between the two films is instantly noticeable through Antonio’s deliverance of the first lines of the play: In sooth I know why I am so sad. It wearies me, you say it wearies you, But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, What stuff ’tis made of, whereof it is born, I am to learn; And such a want-wit sadness makes of me That I have much ado to know myself (1.1. 1-7). These lines instantly distinguish the tone of the two films, as well as the interpretations of Antonio’s character. In the 1973 film, Antonio says these lines in a jokingly manner, undisturbed by his unknown sadness. On the other hand, the Antonio in the 2004 film, relays this line in a grim and melancholy way. In accordance to the melancholy 2004 Antonio, these lines have a significant underlying meaning. Lines such as â€Å"I am to learn† gives Antonio the ability to â€Å"pass off his depression as anxiety† (Barthelemy, 134).Show MoreRelatedThe Homosexual Relationship Between Antonio and Bassanio in William Shakespeare’s the Merchant of Venice1673 Words   |  7 PagesThe Homosexual Relationship Between Antonio and Bassanio in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice Tsun-Hsien Tsai Sophomore Student, Department of English National Changhua University of Education There are many pairs of male adults with honorable masculine friendships appearing in William Shakespeare’s popular plays, such as Antonio and Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice, Antonio and Sebastian in Twelfth Night, the two kings Leonates and Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale, and so on. No matterRead More Homosexuality in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice1474 Words   |  6 Pagesan individuals broader identity.† (Columbia University Press). This difference between homosexuality as a â€Å"sexual act† and an â€Å"identity† proves why, during Renaissance England, this theme in Shakespeare’s play was almost invisible. The actual merchant of Venice, Antonio, displays this homosexual identity that might only be recognizable to the modern day reader. Through a close reading of a speech given by Antonio, one can begin to understand the significance of Shakespeare’s word choice and howRead MoreFriendship By William Shakespeare s The Merchant Of Venice1727 Words   |  7 Pagesdevelopment. A friend is, â€Å"A person with whom one has developed a close and informal relationship of mutual trust and intimacy; (more generally) a close acquaintance. Often with adjective indicating the closeness of the relationship, asbest, good, close, etc.†(Oxford ) Friendship is the display of trust and intimacy as well as caring for one another. Antonio and Bassanio are the best of friends. Although both Antonio and Bassanio’s characters possess different motivations for their actions, it is theirRead MoreAntonio and Bassanio1173 Words   |  5 PagesAntonio and Bassanio Antonio and Bassanio are mainly presented as a pair throughout the play. Their relationship, reaction of other characters towards them, thoughts and feeling they express are significant factors that contribute to answering the question. In the preformed version of Michael Radford Merchant of Venice there is a strong depiction of homosexuality, which is his own analysis of their relationship. This could alter the audience’s view on the play, as this theme is noticeable andRead MoreThe Merchant of Venice: Self-Interest versus Love Essay1016 Words   |  5 Pagesof self-interest versus love. On the surface, this seems to be the dividing factors between the Christians and the Jew. Shylock is portrayed to only care about money and profits, while the Christians are shown as people who value human relationships more. Examples of this theme are shown through Shylock’s behaviour, the many weddings of the Christian characters, and the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio . The Christian characters view Shylock as someone who only cares about money andRead MoreThe Three Plots of The Merchant of Venice779 Words   |  4 Pagescharacters involved in the bond plot are Antonio, Bassanio, and Shylock, although Bassanio is not as involved in this plot as Antonio and Shylock are. It is for Bassanio that Antonio takes out a loan from Shylock so that Bassanio is able to have enough money to win Portia’s hand in marriage. In the next main plot line that arises, the casket plot, Bassanio plays a much more major role as Portia’s suitor. He and Portia are the central characters of this plot. Bassanio and Portia are also two of the centralRead More`` The Merchant Of Venice `` By William Shakespeare1147 Words   |  5 Pagesof Venice, Antonio, a protagonist, gives himself over to a life-threatening contract with the villain, Shylock the Jew, in order to provide the means for one of Antonio’s friend the opportunity to woo a lady. Over the course of the play, various risky opportunities and events also expose other relationships as means of satisfying their wants, although not all their outcomes are favourable. Risk is the root cause of rewards and punishments in The Merchant of Venice. This is seen between the play’sRead MoreGender Issues In The Merchant Of Venice1359 Words   |  6 PagesThe Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare was an in depth play that contains many issues over race, sexuality, and gender. William Shakespeare does a great job at portraying the characters views on these issues. The conflicts between the characters are captivating. This play has constant complications that can be related to modern times. Right off the bat Shakespeare introduces the characters as having values of honorability, love, passion, and religion. The play is in some way trying to teachRead MoreMerchant Of Venice Critical Analysis Essay1001 Words   |  5 PagesThe Merchant Of Venice is structured partly on the contrast between idealistic and realistic opinions about society and relationships. The play tells us mercy is preferable to revenge. Shylock chose revenge over mercy against Antonio and how his choices affected him. The Court of Venice begging mercy of Shylock. Finally, Portia forgiving Bassanio for giving away his wedding band. Shakespeare characterised Shylock in such way that he highlights the inequalities of him, them being ungrateful, vengefulRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet918 Words   |  4 PagesIn this quote, Bassanio describes Antonio as his best friend. Though the audience witnessed how close their relationship is in Act I, the quote is another example of Bassanio directly complementing and describing Antonio, this time in order to explain why Antonio’s situation affects him significantly. Through Bassanio’s heartfelt speech, Shakespeare further delineates the close friendship between Bassanio and Antonio. Furthermore, the speech also conveys Bassanio’s respect for Antonio. Not only does