The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (Author), Dr. Barbara A. Mowat (Editor), Paul Werstine Ph.D. (Editor) [Paperback]

The Merchant of Venice is a complex tale of love, prejudice, and justice, centered around Bassanio's quest to win Portia by passing a test involving three caskets, a challenge outlined in her father's will. If Bassanio fails, he may never marry. Meanwhile, they confront Shylock, a Jewish moneylender portrayed as a villain, yet whose character embodies deep alienation due to societal hatred, leading many interpretations to present him as a tragic hero. Portia, famously disguised as the lawyer Balthazar, delivers a poignant plea for mercy, famously comparing it to "the gentle rain from heaven." This authoritative edition from The Folger Shakespeare Library features freshly edited text, explanatory notes, scene summaries, a key to famous lines, and a scholarly essay, making it an essential resource for students and general readers interested in Shakespeare.