Retell of The merchant of Venice

The story begins with a wedding. Antonio has a friend named Bassanio who spends money without limitation. As a result, he run out of his property in a short time. One day, he wants to marry a Portia, a wealthy heiress of Belmont. He was required to pay 3,000 ducats. So he went to Antonio for help. Antonio also is a wealthy Venetian merchant but he doesn’t have so much cash because his ships and goods are busy at sea. It was very kind of Antonio so he borrowed money from Shylock.

Antonio has already made an enemy of Shylock. On the one hand, Antonio is an honest merchant and he usually lend money without interests which forces Shylock to make lower rate. On the other hand, Antonio hates Jewish very much. He had attacked Shylock in public place. Shylock wants to take revenge on Antonio. He agree to lend money to Antonio without interest but if Antonio can’t return the money in three months, Shylock can take a pound of Antonio’s flesh. Antonio signs the contact.

Portia was a rich man's daughter. According to her father‘s will, she got three boxes: a gold box, a

silver one, and a lead one. She would marry the man who chooses the box contained her portrait. However, suitors from all over the world gathered here to marry this beautiful heiress. Bassanio and Gratiano went to Belmont to chase Portia. Bassanio thinks he shouldn’t judge thinks by the appearance so he chose the lead box which equipped with Portia’s portrait. Portia sent Bassanio a ring and told he that if the ring lost means their love is over. Portia’s maid Nerissa fell in love with Gratiano. She also sent Gratiano a ring.

At this moment, Bassanio hears about Antonio's ships are reported lost at sea. This leaves him unable to return the money. Unfortunately, Shylock's daughter, Jessica eloped at the help of Antonio and stole her father's money and jewelry. So Shylock hated Antonio very much. When he knew that Antonio’s accident, he was very happy. He sued Antonio. In court, Shylock urged Antonio strongly that he must cut one pound of flesh from his own body. The judges had no clues to do with Shylock. At the last minute, a new judge disguised by Portia came to deal with the matter. According to the contract, Portia agreed Shylock to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio, but he must be care with the weight, neither more nor less. What’s more, he must promise cut without a drop of blood and Antonio is alive. Otherwise, Shylock will lose all his property. Shylock couldn't do it and had to give up to save his money. In this way, Portia skillfully save Antonio's life.

Finally, everything was clear. Bassanio knew his wife was the great judge when seeing the ring. He felt very thankful for Portia’s help and loved her much more. Antonio got his own property. Everyone get what he wants expect poor Sherlock.

第二篇：威尼斯商人--人物关系-故事梗概