Book Review

William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice tells a story about justice, mercy and unfair treatment. Antonio, a merchant, borrows money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Shylock asks for a pound of Antonio’s flesh if he cannot pay back. Shylock seems cruel, but he is often treated badly because he is Jewish. Portia, a smart young woman, saves Antonio with her clever words about mercy. In the end, the Christian characters are happy, but Shylock loses everything. This play makes people think deeply about fairness, kindness and prejudice.