“The Merchant of Venice” is a well-known Shakespearean play. In the play, Antonio, an antisemitic trader, borrows money from a Jew named Skylock to assist his friend court Portia. Unfortunately, Antonio is unable to return the loan, and Shylock wants one pound of his flesh. Portia assisted Antonio by impersonating a lawyer and saving him.

Shylock’s accusal

Shylock lends Antonio three thousand ducats. When Antonio failed to refund the money, he labeled him a bankrupt with no money to spend. Everything he had was lost. Shylock eventually charges Antonio with being a prodigal. He also admitted that he had squandered his money carelessly. Shylock claims Antonio has destroyed himself by taking out a loan for his expensive friend. This can be seen in the lines,

” There I have another bad match!abankrupt, a prodigal who dares scarce show.”

Antonio, the figure of generosity

Throughout the play, Antonio is portrayed as being nice, generous, and honest. Because of the loss, he borrows money from Shylock to assist Bassanio. He wanted to aid his ailing pal. When Shylock demanded his flesh, the unselfish character was willing to give up his life. Shylock opposed the country’s Christians. Thus, he accused Antonia of being a prodigal.