The Bond Plot

The Bond Plot is probably the most intense plot in the Shakesapeare's The Merchant of Venice. It begins when Bassanio asks Antonio to lend him money to impress Portia. Antonio wearily obliges. He tells him to go to local ursurers to see if Bassanio could borrow money on Antonio's name. Bassanio finds an ursurer named Shylock who is willing to loan the money. He asks Antonio why he should lend the money on his name because Antonio has made fun of Shylock and spit on him. Antonio says it is a deal between buisness men and not friends. Then then both quote Bible passages in a war on intrest. They then come to an agreement on intrest. There will be no intrest but if Antonio does not pay back the principal, 3000 ducats,within three months Shylock will be allowed to take a pound of Antonio's flesh.

Three months pass and all of Antonio's ships crash. When the bond is due Antonio does not have the money so Shylock takes him to court. The Duke rules that Shylock is allowed to take Antonio's flesh. BUT, Portia who is disguised as a messenger from Dr. Bellario enters. She asks Shylock for mercy, but he refuses. She thens pulls out the trump card. She recites the law saying, " It is against the law for a foreigner to shed the blood of a Christian." She also finds him guilty of directly AND indirectly trying to kill Antonio. This offense is punishable by death, but the Duke decides to spare Shylock's life. The first half of hte punishment is that Shylock must turn Christian. The second half of punishment is a fine. Shylock must give half of his assests to Antonio and the other half will be put in a trust for his daughter Jessica and her husband Lorenzo. He also must pay a fine to the court.

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