The Merchant of Venice

by William Shakespeare
The Merchant of Venice cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Drama
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £3.99–£13.99 Hardback • £10.99
Bookshop
Format • £7.59–£9.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4916
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
  • Published: 2021-01-01
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 3

The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, yet it remains deeply controversial due to its portrayal of anti-Semitism and the complex character of Shylock. The play offers traditional romantic comedy pleasures but also delves into the operations of prejudice, making it a timeless exploration of justice and mercy. In performance, Shylock's intensity often dominates the play, challenging its romantic and lyrical affirmations. This creates a bitter-sweet drama that has kept the play relevant and thought-provoking for centuries, making Shakespeare our contemporary.

Reviews
Planksip · 2024-11-06
enigmatic 4.50

The play is described as a personal favorite, with a discussion on its enigmatic and timeless qualities.

In this review, the play is described as a personal favorite, highlighting its enigmatic and timeless qualities. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters and the themes explored in the play. They note that 'The Merchant of Venice' is a work that continues to captivate readers and audiences alike, with its rich storytelling and profound insights into human nature. The review suggests that the play's enduring appeal lies in its ability to engage with a wide range of emotions and ideas, making it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    We begin our discussion of the enigmatic elephant in the realm of the written word, the great William Shakespeare, with one of my personal favorites: The Merchant of Venice.

    The play being considered controversial does not detract from the beautiful language used throughout.

    Still timeless and utterly enjoyable in every way.

Sandra's Shelf · 2021-08-06
great 4.50

The play is praised for its important themes and characters that resonate in today's world. The language and storytelling are considered timeless and enjoyable.

This review highlights the timeless nature of 'The Merchant of Venice,' particularly its themes and characters that remain relevant in modern times. The reviewer appreciates the beauty of Shakespeare's language and the depth of the characters, making it a compelling read. They also note the play's ability to spark discussions about contemporary issues, such as racism and the roles of women and Jews in society. The overall sentiment is one of admiration for the play's enduring appeal and its capacity to engage readers with its rich storytelling and profound themes.

Quick quotes

    Overall, a great and enticing read with important themes and characters raised up for discussion in our modern-day world.

    The play being considered controversial does not detract from the beautiful language used throughout.

    Still timeless and utterly enjoyable in every way.

The Guardian · 2011-03-04
relevant 4.00

The play is noted for its exploration of racism, love, and secrets, striking a chord with both modern and historical contexts.

The Guardian's review of 'The Merchant of Venice' emphasizes the play's exploration of themes such as racism, love, and secrets. The reviewer finds that these themes resonate with both the time the play was written and contemporary society. They appreciate how the play addresses complex issues, making it a relevant and thought-provoking piece. The review suggests that the play's ability to connect with modern audiences is a testament to its enduring relevance and the depth of its storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Racism, love, secrets and loans. This play strikes true to certain parts of the modern world as well as the time it was written in.

    The tale in its original form moves between two love stories and a darker thread about man's inhumanity to man.

    More gripping by far though is the exploration of these themes.

Appears in Lists