Title page from The Merchant of Venice

Part of: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare) The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice famously depicts the bargain between Antonio and Shylock to secure a monetary loan with the promise of “a pound of flesh” if the loan is not repaid. In doing so, it explores the complex issues of religion, prejudice, justice, and mercy. This edition comes from the 1916 Oxford University Press edition of all of Shakespeare’s plays and poems.

Related People

Critical Responses

Connected Readings