The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, is one of the author's most famous and widely acclaimed work. It is a 16th century play in which a merchant in Venice must default on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender. The story begins when a young Venetia seeks to woo a beautiful heiress of Portia, but finds himself struggling to put together the funds to present himself as a suitor. Though classified as a comedy , the play is most remembered for its dramatic scenes, and it is best known for Shylock and the famous "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech on humanity. Also notable is Portia's speech about "The quality of mercy".

William Shakespeare, also known as the "Bard of Avon," is often called England's national poet and considered the greatest dramatist of all time. Shakespeare's works are known throughout the world. Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon. His surviving works consist of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.