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Merchant Of Venice - Character Development Of Antonio

        Antonio is a wealthy merchant in the city of Venice. Although
central to the play, Antonio is portrayed by Shakespeare as an
'outcast'. It seems that Antonio is chronically depressed and is not
involved in the social atmosphere that is thriving in Venice. -

"In sooth, I know not why I am so sad:
It wearies me; you say it wearies you;
But how I caught it. Found it, or came by it,
What stuff 'tis made of, whereof it is born,
I am to learn:"1

        Along with Shylock, both men seem bitter and have difficulty
in expressing their emotions. On many occasions friends, such as
Salerio and Bassanio have questioned his sadness, trying to find an
explanation for their great unhappiness with themselves and with the
world. -

Salerio: "But tell not me: I know Antonio
Is sad to think upon his merchandise.2
Antonio: "Believe me, no: I thank my fortune for it,
My ventures are not in one bottom trusted,
Nor to one place; nor is my whole estate
Upon the fortune of this present year:
Therefore, my merchandise makes me not sad."3
Salanio: "Why, then are you in love."4
Antonio: "Fie, fie!"5

        The mystery of Antonio's sadness remains, as he dismisses the
prospect that his sadness is related to his ships or a lost love.
Uninterested in the 'world' of suitors and marriage, Antonio is left
without his lifelong companion, Bassanio after he travelled to Belmont
to woo Portia.
        Early in the play another side of Antonio is revealed. Antonio
is displayed as a hard cruel man, although a Christian, he displays
hatred and contempt towards the Jewish race, usurers and especially
towards Shylock. After kicking and spitting upon Shylock, Antonio
shows no remorse or sympathy for the man he has abused. Antonio even
goes to the point of saying that he would once more spit upon him and
kick him like a stray dog. -

"I am as like to call thee so again,
To spit on thee again, to spurn thee too.
If thou wilt lend this money,...