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    The Merchant of Venice
    The Merchant of Venice
    The Merchant of Venice
    Audiobook2 hours

    The Merchant of Venice

    Written by William Shakespeare

    Narrated by Elizabeth Klett

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    About this audiobook

    William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice was probably written between 1596 and 1598, and was printed with the comedies in the First Folio of 1623. Bassanio, an impoverished gentleman, uses the credit of his friend, the merchant Antonio, to borrow money from a wealthy Jew, Shylock. Antonio pledges to pay Shylock a pound of flesh if he defaults on the loan, which Bassanio will use to woo a rich heiress, Portia. A subplot concerns the elopement of Shylock's daughter Jessica with a Christian, Bassanio's friend Lorenzo. In its focus on love and marriage, the play shares certain concerns with Shakespeare's other comedies. Yet its depiction of the tensions between Jews and Christians in early modern Venice - and its highly dramatic trial scene in Act 4 - create darker currents in the play.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAuthor's Republic
    Release dateMay 3, 2016
    ISBN9781518925955
    Author

    William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, on England’s Avon River. When he was eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway. The couple had three children—an older daughter Susanna and twins, Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet, Shakespeare’s only son, died in childhood. The bulk of Shakespeare’s working life was spent in the theater world of London, where he established himself professionally by the early 1590s. He enjoyed success not only as a playwright and poet, but also as an actor and shareholder in an acting company. Although some think that sometime between 1610 and 1613 Shakespeare retired from the theater and returned home to Stratford, where he died in 1616, others believe that he may have continued to work in London until close to his death.

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    Reviews for The Merchant of Venice

    4/5

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    • 1/5
      The recording is poorly performed by non professional voice talent.
    • 5/5
      The Merchant of Venice is a thought-provoking and multi-layered play that explores themes of love, justice, prejudice, and the complexities of human nature. Set in Venice during the Renaissance period, this captivating work of literature is renowned for its rich characterizations, intricate plot, and profound insights into the human condition.
    • 5/5
      At the heart of The Merchant of Venice are its complex and multifaceted characters, each grappling with their own desires, flaws, and moral dilemmas. From the enigmatic merchant Antonio to the cunning moneylender Shylock, Shakespeare masterfully brings his characters to life, inviting readers to empathize with their struggles and motivations.
    • 5/5
      The climactic trial scene, in which Shylock demands his pound of flesh as repayment for a debt owed to him by Antonio, serves as a powerful exploration of justice, mercy, and the rule of law. As the characters grapple with questions of fairness and compassion, Shakespeare prompts readers to reflect on the nature of justice and the complexities of human morality.
    • 5/5
      If you appreciate classic works of literature that explore timeless themes and offer profound insights into the human experience, "The Merchant of Venice" is sure to captivate you with its richly layered storytelling and complex characters.
    • 5/5
      Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or simply enjoy compelling drama, "The Merchant of Venice" is a must-read play that continues to enthrall audiences with its gripping plot, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes.
    • 5/5
      As with all of Shakespeare's works, "The Merchant of Venice" is renowned for its rich language, vivid imagery, and memorable quotations. From Shylock's famous speech on the universality of humanity to Portia's eloquent defense of mercy, the play is filled with poetic language and profound insights that continue to resonate with audiences today.
    • 5/5
      The Merchant of Venice also explores themes of love, loyalty, and friendship. The bond between Antonio and his friend Bassanio, as well as the romantic entanglements involving Portia and other characters, adds depth and emotional resonance to the play, highlighting the enduring power of love and human connection.
    • 5/5
      One of the central themes of the play is the exploration of prejudice and discrimination, particularly in relation to religious and ethnic identity. The character of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, faces discrimination and persecution in Venetian society, highlighting the destructive consequences of prejudice and the importance of empathy and understanding.
    • 5/5
      The play by Shakespeare is a light romantic comedy. This audio version is well read and worth the listening.