Write down three ways in which money (or the lack of it) is presented in the play the Merchant of Venice.
1. The central plot of the play revolves around a loan of money made by the Jewish moneylender Shylock to the merchant Antonio. The terms of the loan state that if Antonio does not repay the money on time, Shylock will be entitled to a pound of his flesh as payment. This demonstrates the power and importance of money in the play, as well as the consequences of financial agreements gone wrong.
2. Money is also presented as a symbol of social status and power in the play. The wealthy characters, such as Portia and Bassanio, are able to use their money to manipulate situations and gain influence over others. In contrast, characters like Shylock, who is marginalized because of his religion and occupation as a moneylender, must rely on money to secure their place in society.
3. The lack of money is also a recurring theme in the play, particularly in the subplot involving Jessica and Lorenzo. Jessica, Shylock's daughter, runs away with Lorenzo, a Christian, taking a significant amount of her father's wealth with her. This act of betrayal highlights the way money can be used as a means of escape or rebellion against oppressive social structures.