Shakespeare uses a variety of language techniques to show Antonio's sadness in Act 1 Scene 1 of The Merchant of Venice. He uses imagery to describe Antonio's melancholy state, such as "in so sad a plight," and "my state is desperate for my master's love." He also uses personification to describe Antonio's sadness, such as "my heart is sore," and "my sighs are blown into the air." Additionally, Antonio's use of rhetorical questions, such as "Why should their liberty than mine be more?" and "Why should I joy in any abortive birth?" further emphasize his sadness. Finally, Antonio's use of hyperbole, such as "I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done, than be one of the twenty to follow mine own teaching," further conveys his despair.
