The Merchant of Venice

Corrupt, opulent and economically dependent on the Jewish population it fears and despises, the Venetian Republic is obliged to keep up the appearance of a state governed by law. Antonio lives in luxury, surrounded by swindlers, prostitutes, killers and professional seducers. Yet for all the company, he is alone. Bassanio, whom he raised and who has already run through half his fortune, asks him for another loan to finance the one project that could clear his debts: an advantageous marriage. But there is no money to be had in Venice. Antonio has to turn to his greatest enemy - a Jewish woman. Shylock agrees to lend him the money, but to avenge the many insults she has suffered at his hands she sets a humiliating condition: if the debt is not paid on time, a pound of his flesh will be hers. Lorenzo, one of Bassanio's circle, is sent to seduce and carry off Jessica, Shylock's daughter, who robs her mother and runs away. Portia, the woman Bassanio means to win, is rich but cannot touch her inheritance unless she marries according to her father's will, which sets a lottery: whoever would have her must choose correctly between three caskets - gold, silver and lead. Bassanio chooses correctly, but too late: by then all of Antonio's ships have sunk and, unable to pay the bond, he must honour the condition. Portia disguises herself as a man to sit as judge in Shylock's suit against Antonio, and turns the case against her. The Jewish woman is condemned for attempting the life of a Christian. As punishment she is forced to surrender her fortune and convert. Portia asks Bassanio for his betrothal ring as her fee, and he gives it to her, to her great disappointment. Back home, she puts him on trial again, and this second trial lays bare how false their union is.