Themes Part 2: Wealth, Love & Appearance vs Reality

Alongside prejudice, justice, and mercy, The Merchant of Venice explores wealth and its influence, love in its various forms, and the tension between appearance and reality. These themes run through both the bond plot and the casket plot.

---

Wealth and Money

Money drives almost every relationship and conflict in the play.

Money in Venice

• Venice is a mercantile city — trade and commerce define its character.
• Antonio is a merchant whose wealth is tied up in ships at sea — his fortune is always at risk.
• Shylock is a money-lender — he charges interest (usury) and has accumulated considerable wealth.
• Bassanio is broke — he needs money to woo Portia and borrows from Antonio, who borrows from Shylock.
• The entire plot is set in motion by debt and borrowing.

Money in Belmont