Why do Antonio and Bassanio go to Shylock to borrow 3000 ducats?

Bassanio approaches the Jewish moneylender, Shylock, and asks to borrow 3000 ducats with Antonio as a bond . Shylock points out that Antonio’s money is invested at sea, and a loan is risky because the ships might sink or be attacked by pirates.

What reasons does Antonio give for Shylock to approve the loan?

Expert Answers Antonio wishes to borrow money for his friend Bassanio, but he is reluctant to make a deal involving interest. He strongly opposes usury, frequently condemning Shylock for his practices and his religion.

What does Antonio instruct Bassanio to do to get a loan?

Answer. The best Antonio can do is to lend Bassanio money by allowing him to charge all of his expenses to his credit. Antonio tell Bassanio, Thou know’st that all my fortunes are at sea.

How does Bassanio feel about Shylock’s bond loan?

Bassanio is uncomfortable with these not so “fair terms and a villain’s mind”(174) but is persuaded by Antonio to proceed as Antonio is confident that the bond will be repaid long before it is due, when his ships come into port.

Is Shylock a villain or a victim?

Shylock is a combination of both victim and villain in The Merchant of Venice. He is a victim of discrimination and mistreated by Antonio and his daughter, Jessica. Shylock’s greedy, vengeful nature is what makes him a villain, which helps drive the plot of the play.

Why could Antonio not help Bassanio financially?

Antonio is unable to advance Bassanio cash because all his money is invested in ships at sea but he gladly offers to guarantee a credit loan.

Why can’t Antonio pay back his loan?

Why can’t Antonio pay back his loan? After a series of accidents, all of Antonio’s ships are reported as wrecked. Therefore, Antonio does not have the money to pay back Shylock and is in danger of having to pay the penalty of a pound of his own flesh.

What is the need for Antonio to borrow money from his enemy?

Antonio needs to borrow money from his enemy Shylock to give it to Bassanio, his friend so that he can go to Belmont to woo the rich lady Portia.

Why didn’t Antonio lend money to Bassanio?

(iv) Antonio was unable to lend the money that Bassanio needed because all his money was invested in trading ventures at sea. So he suggested Bassanio to go and enquire from where he could get money in Venice.

Why did Shylock not temper justice with mercy?

Shylock demands the penalty that is set by law and is not moved. Shylock realizes an opportunity to make a nobleman suffer as he feels he has and he refuses to bend and be merciful when society has not been merciful to him.

What did Bassanio make to Shylock to save Antonio?

Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. Short Answer: Bassanio offers Shylock six thousand ducats to save Antonio ‘s life.

What’s the difference between Antonio’s Loan and Shylock’s?

The main difference between the loan that Antonio has given Bassanio and the loans that Shylock gives out is a question of interest. In Act 1, Scene 3, Shylock clearly indicates that Antonio frequently gives out interest free loans. The rate of usance here with us in Venice.

Why does Antonio not charge interest on his loans?

When Antonio gives out a loan and doesn’t charge interest, he is undercutting Shylock’s business and possible profit margins. That is one reason why Shylock does not like Antonio at all. Shylock’s loan to Bassanio is different from Antonio’s loan, because he charges interest.

Why does Bassanio say that he is upon the rack?

The words seem to warn him not to judge by external appearance. Consequently, Bassanio rejects the golden casket; it is a symbol for all “outward shows”; likewise, he rejects the silver casket, calling it a “common drudge / ‘Tween man and man.”