Merchant of Venice

[ficwize]

I just saw the Merchant of Venice for the first time. (Yes, I am also shocked by the lack of education here.) I have a mix of reactions. All I knew of the play before was the "Has not a Jew..." speech which seems to be quite progressive for Shakespeare's time. Then I saw it in context and I... don't know anymore. Was it a mockery? Was it intended to be sympathetic? Or was Shylock supposed to be a simple villian, which he does not come across as.

Also, is it my slash glasses, or were Antonio and Bassanio supposed to read like a romantic couple?

Finally, I cried in the court scene. I also got heart palpitations and freaked out a bit when I though it might go badly...

I will be adding this to my Yuletide list this year.

Comments

[ficwize.livejournal.com]

I did read your review and I found it fascinating. I like the way you framed it around "careless people," but I cannot help but wonder what happens in the home of Bassanio and Portia in the years to come.

They clearly were both affected. Bassanio seemed almost submissive at the end of the movie, imo, and Antonio promised his soul to Portia if she would take care of Bassanio. I cannot help but feel like those folks are in for a world of hurt of their own making.

Antonio/Bassanio, whether sexual or not, is clearly the supreme pairing of the story and I just don't know how well it's going to work out for them when Portia/Bassanio becomes the default. Perhaps your comparison to the Great Gatsby is even more apt...

[pargoletta.livejournal.com]

but I cannot help but wonder what happens in the home of Bassanio and Portia in the years to come. . . I cannot help but feel like those folks are in for a world of hurt of their own making.

Oooo, one for the Story Idea Files!