The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice, written in the mid-1590s, is one of Shakespeare's most performed and most argued-over plays. Bassanio needs money to court the heiress Portia, so his friend Antonio borrows from the Jewish moneylender Shylock, agreeing in jest to forfeit a pound of flesh if he cannot repay. When Antonio's ships are lost, Shylock, who has suffered years of contempt from the Christians of Venice and the loss of his daughter Jessica, demands his bond. Portia, disguised as a lawyer, takes the case in a trial scene that is the heart of the play. Shylock's speech asking whether a Jew does not bleed has made him a figure far larger than the comedy that contains him. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first act is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Merchant of Venice online?
Yes. The Merchant of Venice opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Merchant of Venice free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Merchant of Venice is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Merchant of Venice in the public domain?
Yes. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Merchant of Venice?
About 1 h 29 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare is filed under "Drama" in the Vinteuil library.
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