Summary of the Play "The Merchant of Venice"ad and his friends Salerioand Solanio attempt to choer him up, but are unsuccessful. Meanwhile, hisfriend Bassanio alongwith his friends Lorenzo, Gratiano joins him. AfterChristian merchant is sIn Venice, Antonio ametime, left alone, Bassanig explains to Antonio that he intends to win thiand of Poxtiaawealthy beiress. To make a good show as he woos her, sinche asks Antonicshe is being sought by many suitors from all over the world,tot present, as ail his monay has been invested in sea ventiure that have notttured; but his credit is good cnough that he believes he will be able tolend him some moncy. Antonio agrees, but points out that he haaise the sum. (4ct 1, Scene I).in Belmont, Portia laments how she cannot choose, her husband forcasket that her father haself, bul must accept who chooses the correctbehind after his death. She and her lady-in-waitingrious suitors who have come to woo her, none of whom she particularlyo as fond manories of Bassanio. Despite this lock oferest in the possibilitics, Portia insists she will obey her father's will. Awant inforns her that four of her suitors have decided not to risk takinggaphet zost, singe if tiiey fail they are bound to never marry, and that theos-though shace of Morureo will be arriving that evoning. (Act 1, Sin Vonice, Bassanioasiss the Javish money lander, Shylock ta lend 3000ays on Autonic's sccunty. Shylock pointed out that all of Antonio's wealtlhrislr ventures at present. To himsolf he considers how much he hatess his trede by lending money without interest. Antonio, sneering at Slylock for lending at interest. The two loathe oneher, Shylock rememberiag all the times Antonio has insulted him or evenat him. Antonio shows no remorse. Shylock insists he wants to be friendAntonio, howevcr, and therefore agrees to make the loan and, as a joketbey make thu penalty for non repayment a pound of Antonio's flesh.anio will not hear of it, but Antonio brushes off his fear, being utterlyn that bisshin will return before the repayment due date, (Act 1, Sceneonio, who ruinsre,n Belmont, the bragging Princc of Morocco introduces himself to Portiaatters him.He declares his intention of undertaking the choice ofs, though Portia reminds him that he ust vow never to marry if he isf.. Be is determiid all the same. (act 2, Scene 1).' ove: v.. Ä°lether to renain a servant to Shylock or not, and finallyhimself to leave. His blind father comes looking for him, and he