Time and the Shape of History

In This Lively Comedy Of Love And Money In Sixteenth-century Venice, Bassanio Wants To Impress The Wealthy Heiress Portia, But Lacks The Necessary Funds. He Turns To His Merchant Friend, Antonio, Who Is Forced To Borrow From Shylock, A Jewish Moneylender. When Antonio's Business Falters, Repayment Becomes Impossible, And By The Terms Of The Loan Agreement, Shylock Is Able To Demand A Pound Of Antonio's Flesh. Portia Cleverly Intervenes, And All Ends Well (except Of Course For Shylock).