Blog post 14

Francesco Argentina

Ms. Harrison

ELA

1/29/17

Blog post 14

Prompt: Discuss the major conflict in Act 1

There is one major conflict that emerges from what we have read so far in Act 1, The Merchant of Venice. The problem is that Bassanio is in need of money which he will use with the intention of pleasing the beautiful Portia. There is only one way that the book has introduced of him getting it, and that is through Shylock the Jew in whom he has little respect for, and vice versa. Bassanio's loyal friend Antonio would have loaned him the money, but is unable to, as all of his money is invested into his ships which are out at sea. Antonio and Bassanio come to Shylock with the proposition that he lends Bassanio the money. Shylock is first very insulting as he mocks the fact that Bassanio, someone whom he doesn't respect, is now in need of his assistance. This is understandable, as the two christians have talked down upon the Jew many times and have insulted him previously, there is a clear lack of trust between both sides. Shylock then claims that he will loan the money as long as it will be repaid by Antonio. If Antonio fails to do so however, Shylock is permitted to take a pound of flesh from Antonio from any body part he pleases. Antonio being the loyal friend he is, is willing. To conclude Act 1 the conflict is that Bassanio is in desperate need of money and his only source is someone he does not respect, as well as his closest friend putting a great deal of risk on his behalf.