Back to Shakespeare's play of the Merchant of Venice: Arranged for Representation at the Princess's Theatre, with Historical and Explanatory Notes by Charles Kean, F.S.A.
Core Belief
"Bassanio believes in the power of love and the importance of friendship. He is also motivated by a desire for wealth and social status, which he hopes to achieve through marriage to Portia."
Worldview
Bassanio sees the world as a place of opportunity and adventure. He is confident that he can achieve his goals with the help of his friends and his own charm.
Personality
Bassanio is a charming and charismatic, but also somewhat irresponsible and financially dependent, young man. He is deeply in love with Portia and willing to take risks to win her hand. He relies on Antonio's generosity to finance his pursuit of Portia.
In Their Own Words
"To you, Antonio, I owe the most in money and in love; And from your love I have a warranty To unburthen all my plots and purposes, How to get clear of all the debts I owe."
"In Belmont is a lady richly left, And she is fair, and, fairer than that word, Of wond'rous virtues."
"Antonio, I am married to a wife, Which is as dear to me as life itself; But life itself, my wife, and all the world, Are not with me esteem'd above thy life; I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all Here to this devil, to deliver you."
Other Characters from Shakespeare's play of the Merchant of Venice: Arranged for Representation at the Princess's Theatre, with Historical and Explanatory Notes by Charles Kean, F.S.A.
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