In "The Merchant of Venice," Antonio's ships do not return in time because they are reported to be lost at sea. This delay is crucial as it prevents him from having the funds to repay Shylock, the moneylender, by the due date. The uncertainty of maritime ventures, coupled with the inherent risks of trade during that period, contributes to the financial predicament Antonio faces. Thus, the fate of his ships directly impacts the unfolding of the play's dramatic conflict.
The opening scene of The Merchant of Venice highlights the perilous nature of the sea through the character of Antonio, who expresses a sense of foreboding about his ships at sea. The unpredictability of the ocean is underscored by the uncertainty of trade and the potential for loss, setting a tone of vulnerability for merchants. This foreshadowing emphasizes the inherent risks involved in maritime commerce during that era, suggesting that fortunes can be easily lost to the whims of the sea.
In Act 1, Scene 1 of "The Merchant of Venice," Antonio is financially troubled because his wealth is tied up in merchant ships that are currently at sea. He states that he feels sad and empty, which could also suggest that his emotional state affects his financial situation. Additionally, his friends suggest that he has invested in risky ventures, leaving him without liquid cash at the moment.
In "The Merchant of Venice," the rising action begins with Bassanio seeking financial help from Antonio to court Portia. Antonio, unable to provide the money himself due to his ships being at sea, borrows 3,000 ducats from Shylock, agreeing to a bond that could cost him a pound of flesh if he fails to repay. As the stakes rise, the tension escalates with Shylock's animosity towards Antonio and the impending peril of the bond, setting the stage for the climax of the play. This series of events builds anticipation and conflict, leading to the dramatic courtroom scene.
In "The Merchant of Venice," Antonio's financial status is initially portrayed as precarious, as much of his wealth is tied up in trade ventures. He expresses concern for his lack of liquidity when his ships are at sea, indicating that he relies heavily on the success of his maritime investments. This situation makes him vulnerable, especially when he borrows money from Shylock to help his friend Bassanio, showcasing both his generosity and the risks of his financial dealings. Ultimately, Antonio's financial instability sets the stage for the play's central conflicts regarding mercy, justice, and the consequences of debt.
E E. Sigwart has written: 'Merchant ships world built'
A large merchant ship, originally one from *Ragusa(now Dubrovnik), or Venice *Ragusa---dubrovnik----Venice -Gabe193-
arm the merchant ships
Frederick C. Matthews has written: 'American merchant ships, 1850-1900' -- subject(s): History, Merchant marine, Merchant ships, Ships
Merchant ships did (and still do!) travel all over the world, wherever there are sea ports.
Roger Villar has written: 'Merchant ships at war' -- subject(s): Armed merchant ships, British Naval operations, Falkland Islands War, 1982, Merchant ships
103 merchant ships were sunk in world war one
Congress denied President Wilson the right to do what with merchant ships?
Orchard Cook has written: 'Mr. Cook's motion for arming merchant vessels' -- subject(s): Armed merchant ships, Merchant ships
Knarrs, which are Viking merchant ships.
Armed merchantmen.
Charles E. Cartwright has written: 'The tale of our merchant ships' -- subject(s): Merchant marine, Ships
H. J. Pursey has written: 'Merchant ship stability' -- subject- s -: Merchant ships, Stability of ships