Finding Happiness

As The Merchant of Venice comes to an end it is my first instinct to deem this a happy ending. It appears at first glance that everyone is reunited with their lover and Antonio’s ships and wealth is saved. Yet, I really question why everyone in the final act has a love interest to reconnect with except for Antonio. As highly as Bassanio talks about Antonio’s character and wealth, Antonio in the end is left to rejoice in his riches alone. It really makes me question the emphasis of money and how it does not always bring happiness upon people. Throughout the entire play the characters were so consumed with the bonds and material possessions they had or did not. At the same time, it was those same bonds and material possessions that caused everyone the most stress and ultimately risked people’s life and well-being. It caused husbands to give up their sacred rings and quarrel with their wives and a Jew to give up his assets and cease practice of his religion. It’s important to take note that everyone was just happy to have their loved ones by their side. As couples begin to depart Antonio is then left in the scene alone almost like a third wheel. To lay with his treasures does not compare to lying with someone who loves you. Michelle’s post emphasizes on the importance of friendships and relationships in the play. This final scene really exemplifies that. Money and wealth can only go but so far but it is the bond- not the certificate of debt but the attachment/connection amongst people, that in the end means the most.
Another thing about the final scene is there is no real mention or physical presence of Shylock. This also contributed into my early happy ending thought. Without Shylock’s physical presence it is almost forgotten that he exists. I wonder if that was done on purpose. I feel like if Shylock was brought into the scene the stark contrast between his demise and everyone’s happiness would cause audiences to cast him almost as a victim. As I evaluated everyone’s gladness I had to stop and really think about what was happening to the “villain”. Shylock was really stripped of his possessions but more importantly his livelihood. Again Shakespeare is showing that it is not worldly objects that bring contentment. I don’t even think Shylock even realized how much his property held no true value. When the Duke states Shylock’s initial punishment Shylock claims that they might as well take his life since it has no real meaning without his estate. Nevertheless, when Antonio offers a portion of Shylock’s estate back in exchange that he convert to Christianity the real meaning of life gets put into perspective not only for Shylock but for the audience as well. Again, Shakespeare is showing how unimportant physical things are. Shylock is left with no assets and his livelihood taken away while Antonio is left with all his ships intact, and the both men don’t quite seem as happy as everyone else.