A Proper End to MOV

Well, TMOV is going to end, and well, to end this properly, an essay question should be done. :)

This goes.

1) “All that glisters is not gold.” How is this theme reflected in The Merchant of Venice?

In The Merchant of Venice, this theme is reflected time after time, on different characters on the play. To introduce, as an example, the Prince of Morocco, chose the gold casket and was greeted by a skull.

Firstly, the theme of “All that glisters is not gold.” can be evidently seen in Bassanio's description of Portia. Although it is evident that he started by saying “In Belmont is a lady richly left...” , and continuing to “fair, fairer than the word itself...” and ending with “ of wonderous virtues”, it can show that Bassanio's attraction to Portia is not only of her wealth, but of her beauty and of her virtues. This shows that “all that glisters is not gold” as it shows that Bassanio's attraction is only due to her wealth, but the other appreciable qualities that Portia had, signifying that not only gold (or money in this case) is glistering (glittering).

Subsequently, the theme can be seen in the Prince of Morocco's botched casket test. It is evident, that he chose the gold casket, and was aptly greeted by a skull and the quote itself, “all that glisters is not gold.” This can also be elaborated as part of Portia's deceased father's trickery to choose the most suitable lover for her. In gold, it shows Prince of Morocco's attraction due to her wealth, and her status, whereas silver shows the person (Prince of Arragon in this case)'s attraction to her beauty . Whereas, lead shows the person's devotion. Thus, it can be shown that gold is not all that glisters, in this case, where gold is held in high regard, but the person's truthfulness and possible devotion to Portia.

Consequently, the theme is again expressed in the trial scene. This is evident in which Shylock requested his “bond” and refuted the large amount of ducats offered by Bassanio. “The quality of mercy not strained” is also not practiced by Shylock, who insist on having his “bond” and his “pound of flesh”. However, the theme is reiterated again in this scene, in which mercy is portrayed over justice, and gold is not all that matters in which Shylock got retribution for trying to claim his forfeiture and the loss of the 3,000 ducats and its interest.

In addition, the theme can be seen in the characters itself. This is evident in which from Act 1, Antonio is accompanied which acquaintances and friends, such as Solanio, Salerio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Lorenzo, Portia, Jessica and Nerissa whereas Shylock is only accompanied with Tubal, and Chus, who is not even shown in the play. This show of numbers, although may mean little, but shows that all that glisters is not gold, as there is the mix of friendship and romance.

Furthermore, the difference can be shown between Shylock and Antonio. Shylock takes his money in regard, and blame Antonio for an “ancient grudge”, for letting him lose “half a million” and for bringing the rate of usury down in Venice by lending out gratis. However, the theme is display once again, with Shylock having to almost give out all his money and lose everything he has, lose his daughter to Christianity and Lorenzo, whereas Antonio got a few of his ships returning to him, and having his friends come back all married.

Thus, showing that gold is not the integral item in every part of the play Merchant of Venice, it can be seen that the theme “All that glisters is not gold” is well portrayed, having people who likes money and gold, the Prince of Morocco and Shylock as shown, lie in misery, such as a loss of something dear to them, the moneys, a wive and a daughter.