The first act of The Merchant of Venice reveals much about Antonio. The first line of the play is his: “In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.” His friends try to cheer him up and discern the reason for his sadness, to no avail. They reveal that he has lots of money on and in his ships, but he claims anxiety about his fortune has nothing to with feeling melancholy. When Bassanio arrives, Antonio demonstrates his generosity and affection for the young man by borrowing money for him: “My purse, my person, my extremest means, / Lie all unlock'd to your occasions.”
However, a more aggressive side of Antonio emerges when he encounters Shylock. Even as he asks to borrow money from him, Antonio argues with Shylock about charging interest. He has a history of contention with the man, a Jewish moneylender. In the conversation, he refers to Shylock as “the devil,” “an evil soul,” and “a villain.” Then Antonio either bravely or foolishly agrees to borrow money on the penalty of a pound of his flesh if he does not repay Shylock on time. The first act shows that Antonio is benevolent and self-sacrificing, though arguably self-righteous and blinded by prejudice.
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