Audiobook2 hours
The Merchant of Venice
Written by William Shakespeare
Narrated by Elizabeth Klett
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
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About this audiobook
William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice was probably written between 1596 and 1598, and was printed with the comedies in the First Folio of 1623. Bassanio, an impoverished gentleman, uses the credit of his friend, the merchant Antonio, to borrow money from a wealthy Jew, Shylock. Antonio pledges to pay Shylock a pound of flesh if he defaults on the loan, which Bassanio will use to woo a rich heiress, Portia. A subplot concerns the elopement of Shylock's daughter Jessica with a Christian, Bassanio's friend Lorenzo. In its focus on love and marriage, the play shares certain concerns with Shakespeare's other comedies. Yet its depiction of the tensions between Jews and Christians in early modern Venice - and its highly dramatic trial scene in Act 4 - create darker currents in the play.
Author
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is the world's greatest ever playwright. Born in 1564, he split his time between Stratford-upon-Avon and London, where he worked as a playwright, poet and actor. In 1582 he married Anne Hathaway. Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of fifty-two, leaving three children—Susanna, Hamnet and Judith. The rest is silence.
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Reviews for The Merchant of Venice
Rating: 4.235294117647059 out of 5 stars
4/5
34 ratings10 reviews
- Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5The recording is poorly performed by non professional voice talent.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Merchant of Venice is a thought-provoking and multi-layered play that explores themes of love, justice, prejudice, and the complexities of human nature. Set in Venice during the Renaissance period, this captivating work of literature is renowned for its rich characterizations, intricate plot, and profound insights into the human condition.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5At the heart of The Merchant of Venice are its complex and multifaceted characters, each grappling with their own desires, flaws, and moral dilemmas. From the enigmatic merchant Antonio to the cunning moneylender Shylock, Shakespeare masterfully brings his characters to life, inviting readers to empathize with their struggles and motivations.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The climactic trial scene, in which Shylock demands his pound of flesh as repayment for a debt owed to him by Antonio, serves as a powerful exploration of justice, mercy, and the rule of law. As the characters grapple with questions of fairness and compassion, Shakespeare prompts readers to reflect on the nature of justice and the complexities of human morality.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5If you appreciate classic works of literature that explore timeless themes and offer profound insights into the human experience, "The Merchant of Venice" is sure to captivate you with its richly layered storytelling and complex characters.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or simply enjoy compelling drama, "The Merchant of Venice" is a must-read play that continues to enthrall audiences with its gripping plot, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5As with all of Shakespeare's works, "The Merchant of Venice" is renowned for its rich language, vivid imagery, and memorable quotations. From Shylock's famous speech on the universality of humanity to Portia's eloquent defense of mercy, the play is filled with poetic language and profound insights that continue to resonate with audiences today.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Merchant of Venice also explores themes of love, loyalty, and friendship. The bond between Antonio and his friend Bassanio, as well as the romantic entanglements involving Portia and other characters, adds depth and emotional resonance to the play, highlighting the enduring power of love and human connection.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of the central themes of the play is the exploration of prejudice and discrimination, particularly in relation to religious and ethnic identity. The character of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, faces discrimination and persecution in Venetian society, highlighting the destructive consequences of prejudice and the importance of empathy and understanding.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The play by Shakespeare is a light romantic comedy. This audio version is well read and worth the listening.