Scan barcode
hollyread0626's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Definitely looking forward to seeing this one in August!
ruusujenlaakso's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
elizabethmercas's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The Merchant of Venice is at heart a simplistic story with people in love but it's not a love story. It has a villain, but is not heavily invested in action. It's a living fossil, and I mean that amicably. It's a wondrous fossil. Let's leave it at that.
siallred's review against another edition
4.0
Anyone who’s read this play is aware of its glaring issues. While Shakespeare’s depictions of Shylock and the Moroccan Prince do reflect prevailing opinions of Elizabethan England, that does not make them easy to read or ok in any sense. Not that those things can be ignored, but there is something special about this play. The depictions of women are surprisingly modern and the trials for Portia’s love are witty and charming! I’m so glad I took the time to go back and read this, even though I Sparknotes’d it for class...
morganhamernik's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
The antisemitism was just not it for this one. I did like the three chests storyline and semi-happy ending but Shylock was treated so badly!!! Bonus points because Antonio and Bassanio were definitely gay.
The antisemitism was just not it for this one. I did like the three chests storyline and semi-happy ending but Shylock was treated so badly!!! Bonus points because Antonio and Bassanio were definitely gay.
nicoleoftheisland's review against another edition
No rating because of the obviously hideous antisemitism deeply inseparable from the plot.
andyfishsticks's review against another edition
1.0
+1 point for fairy tale elements
-4 points for being boring and antisemitism
-4 points for being boring and antisemitism
ladyleckus's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first time reading this play and not my favorite Shakespeare. I felt like not much happened and I disliked most of the characters. However, I think that might have been the point because a lot of motifs were spread throughout the play that encouraged the audience to critique the characters.
primesinister's review against another edition
4.0
As I get started on reading all Shakespeare, starting with the merchant of Venice was interesting in that it’s a tragic sort of comedy. Listening to the BBC Shakespeare Session adaptation alongside my reading, it’s chilling to see this as a story of forced conversion and for that conversion to read as a tragedy today. At the same time, a lot of great romcom style moments! But I can’t give it five stars because it’s deeply anti Semitic.
Character I’d want to play? Portia! If not her?Bassanio, because then I get to be with Portia
Character I’d want to play? Portia! If not her?Bassanio, because then I get to be with Portia