Textual Transformation – The Merchant of Venice Essay Example

I saw an image of myself as a solitary Jewish individual, untouched by love and residing within the confines of a somber ancestral dwelling reminiscent of my father's own.

Despite possessing abundant wealth, contentment eluded me entirely. This distressing glimpse into what lay ahead served as a revelation: it was imperative for me to break free from both the house and Venice itself. Yet, deep down I understood that my decision would be met with disapproval from my father since I was his sole source of affection.

Fortunately, during this period, my bond with Lorenzo remained unwaveringly strong, enabling me to subtly express my yearning to emancipate myself from the clutches of paternal influence.

It was surprising when he, a Christian, proposed to me, a Jew. Since he wouldn't change his religion, I had to change mine. This made me feel guilty because my ancestors had endured years of suffering to remain Jewish. However, if changing my religion meant escaping Shylock's control, I happily agreed to marry Lorenzo. His plan for us to elope involved me disguising as a boy, but it wasn't necessary and I think he was just joking around.

Leaving Venice, even if it turned out to be a joke, would have been worth the trouble. However, at that time, the situation involving Portia and Bassanio was unfolding, which accused my father because of the three thousand ducats he had lent. I am confident that he regrets ever lending the money as he has paid a steep price, perhaps excessively high. He has lost everything he treasures: me, his money, and his trust. It was his own mistake and he deserved to learn a lesson. But

now he possesses nothing and I worried that he would hold even more animosity towards me and all my Christian companions who played a role in his downfall.

Despite Portia being considered the most beautiful woman in the Mediterranean, her fate was dependent on luck, making the entire casket plot seem like a comedy to me. It is unlikely that a responsible father would subject his daughter to such a destiny. Additionally, even if her father instructed her to take part, Portia had the choice to decline. I believe that Portia herself came up with this plan as a means to gain more fame. Sadly, Bassanio became caught up in Portia's malicious schemes.

Despite his reckless and foolish approach to money, he appears content being Portia's submissive companion. Life in Belmont, especially when Lorenzo and I were alone in the palace, was a completely new experience for me. It felt regal, like being royalty, with an abundance of servants catering to our every whim. However, amidst this luxurious setting, conflicting emotions overwhelmed me: the relief of escaping unharmed, the joy of being with Lorenzo, and the guilt of abandoning my father and embracing Christianity.

The initial remorse I felt was insignificant compared to the remorse I experienced when my father was destroyed, for I played a role in it. Hence, Lorenzo and I have become estranged from Portia. She had no justification to publicly shame my father in the manner she did. Although she appears amiable on the surface, engaging in noble acts like providing us with the palace, her actions in Venice were obligatory. Rescuing Antonio was a necessity since he is a kind-hearted man who did

not merit death.

The purpose of these actions was evidently to enhance her reputation, but there is also a more sinister aspect to her character. This is exemplified by her dishonest treatment of Bassanio, where she cunningly coerces him into parting with her ring and feigns profound distress over its loss. There was no valid justification for her behavior. Some may perceive my viewpoint as stemming from envy, but that is not the case whatsoever. I possess everything I require right here. Belmont has seemingly transformed my existence – a utopian realm existing apart from the vibrant and disorderly life I encountered in Venice.

Despite my usual confinement in the house, I have not experienced much of being alone myself. However, I find being alone even more unbearable than being surrounded by a noisy and malodorous crowd. This contrast between Belmont and Venice reflects the emotional difference that I previously explained. Amidst this mixture of experiences, there was one source of lighthearted amusement: Launcelot, who occasionally acts as a clown. But even he finds joy in leaving my father to serve Bassanio. Unlike me, Launcelot does not carry the weight of guilt as he was mistreated by my father and had long awaited his departure.

Receiving a letter from my father about a year ago greatly alleviated the guilt I felt towards him. It was the only letter he sent during my time in Belmont. In this letter, he confessed that he had not been generous prior to my mother's death and acknowledged how awful his behavior had been. He mentioned undergoing significant transformations and feeling less resentful towards Antonio and Bassanio, expressing a simple desire for their

friendship. I don't think he ever realized that Portia was actually the lawyer. Unfortunately, Antonio and Bassanio rejected his attempts to reconcile, assuming his motives were solely driven by money. Nonetheless, I truly believe that he sincerely wanted to change.

He invited Lorenzo and me to visit his new house and lifestyle in Venice. I initially considered going but decided against it due to painful memories. However, in retrospect, I deeply regret my choice as my father passed away shortly after he wrote that letter. Currently, Lorenzo and I live in a comfortable lodge near Portia's palace. We have a happy life thanks to the inheritance from my father and Lorenzo's successful merchant business. Our joy extends to our one-year-old son, Antonio - named after the person who indirectly improved my life.