A deeper look

I mentioned in a previous post about the financial decisions of Antonio, Bassanio, and Shylock made in the play. I now want delve a little deeper and show where these mistakes were made, and what lessons I hoped they learned and what we can learn.

Antonio

      Is a successful businessman who has a place in his heart for a good friend.  When Basanio comes and asked for help Antonio can’t say no even though he has no money.  He breaks one of his own rules because he doesn’t want to let his friend down. When negotiating with Shylock Antonio states, “although I neither lend nor borrow By taking nor by giving of excess, Yet, to supply the ripe wants of my friend, I'll break a custom.” He agrees to a loan with no collateral to back it. He uses his own life as collateral. Antonio is confident his ships will return. He assures Bassanio, “Come on: in this there can be no dismay; My ships come home a month before the day.” Unfortunately his ships didn’t come back in time.  I hope Antonio learned these 3 things. 

1. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket; you need to diversify your investments.
2. Even if you qualify for a loan it may not be wise to take it.
3. If everything else fails make sure you have a good lawyer.

Bassanio

Bassanio came to understand what happens when you rely on others to help you get money, when Shylock and Antonio are negotiating terms, Bassanio realizes things are getting pretty deep and states, “shall not seal to such a bond for me: I'll rather dwell in my necessity.” The assurance from Antonio quiets his concerns. However a few months later when he receives a letter from Antonio his worst fears occur. “Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my bond to the Jew is forfeit; and since in paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts are cleared between you and I, if I might but see you at my death. Notwithstanding, use your pleasure: if your love.” It could have ended a lot worse but I hope Bassanio learned these things:

1. Don’t put your financial obligations on someone else. 
2. The burden of a penalty coming due is greater if you have no power to affect the outcome.

Shylock

Shylock was persecuted, and this wore him down, he became greedy and thought his desires could be satisfied by the law being fulfilled. When negotiating the contract he was eager to take a pound of flesh from Antonio if the payment didn’t come in full. This is what he wanted and he wouldn’t accept anything else. “What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? You have among you many a purchased slave, Which, like your asses and your dogs and mules, You use in abject and in slavish parts, Because you bought them: shall I say to you, Let them be free, marry them to your heirs? Why sweat they under burthens? let their beds Be made as soft as yours and let their palates Be season'd with such viands? You will answer 'The slaves are ours:' so do I answer you: pound of flesh, which I demand of him, Is dearly bought; 'tis mine and I will have it. If you deny me, fie upon your law! There is no force in the decrees of Venice. I stand for judgment: answer; shall I have it?” Even after Bassanio offers him 3x the sum owed even 10 times. Shylocked continued, “An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven: Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice.” With one last effort Portia pleads, “A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off Nearest the merchant's heart. Be merciful: Take thrice thy money; bid me tear the bond.” Shylock has become narrow minded and Portia must confide, she informs Shylock of all the stipulations of removing the pound of flesh. Basically making it impossible to complete without Shylock losing everything at this point Shylock back tracks, he says, “I take this offer, then; pay the bond thrice And let the Christian go.” But it was too late Portia has to continue, “Jew shall have all justice; soft! no haste: He shall have nothing but the penalty.” Shylock loses everything, his greed led to his demise. I hope Shylock learned these things:

1. Be willing to negotiate when the contract is due. Be Christlike and show mercy
2. Contract language is difficult and can be interpreted differently if you are not very careful
3. Always focus on the bigger picture and try not to become narrow minded and close your mind.

I hope you can gain something from these lessons that these men have taught us, if you think of any others let me know.