In the first scene of Act 1 we see Antonio asking his friends for help on how to get out of being so Melancholy. He seems to be wanting them just to sit and discuss with him his depression as if it is something of incredible interest. But he doesn't seem to want an answer. His friends suggest the ships he has out at sail, but he pushes that away as if it is insignificant and tells them his wealthy is not in one boat. But then they talk of love and he quickly rejects it and doesn't even give it a chance. He is asking there help but not giving much feedback for them to work with. Then when Bassanio comes over all their friends leave and they get to have alone time. When initially he was just looking out for any friend to help him, he clings to Bassanio when he comes by.
And not only does Bassanio not talk to him about his grief but Antonio moves the conversation over to Bassanio and his positive, secret, sexy conquest for a lady. His interest only wains when Bassanio questions Antonio's ability to help him. Antonio then goes into depth to show how much he will do to help Bassanio, even though much of the debt Bassanio has it to Antonio in the first place. And Antonio will vouch for Bassanio with his wealth that he doesn't currently have. It seems to me Shakespeare is trying to foreshadow the type of loving unhealthy relationship these two have. Antonio seems to love Bassanio while Bassanio seems to think of Antonio as a dear friend and not a love interest.
Then they go to Shylock where Antonio makes sure the loan of money needed is insured. But while they are talking about the terms, Shylock and Antonio start up their long going feud with each other, and it seems like they are going to sign as enemies until Shylock makes a proposition. He says they should do the loan on friendly terms with no interest, but if the money isn't given at the right time then Antonio will have to give Shylock "an equal pound of [Antonio's] fair flesh to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth [Shylock]." (1131) This to me seems quite phallic and lending it self to be seemed like he will cut off his penis. The whole conversation is about bravado and acting like the stronger, smarter, and more intimidating man. And again Shakespeare ends this Act with the thought of Antonio's penis literally being on the line for Bassanio. And with Antonio brushing it off and saying all his ships will return, and he's calm in the face of his friends fear. He is the rock for his friend to lean on in hard times. I'm interested to see how Antonio will try and win over Bassanio as Bassanio tries to woo Portia.
New Paltz Students Blogging about Shakespeare
3 comments:
I agree with you there is definitely some type of odd relationship going on with Antonio and Bassanio. They seem to have alternative motives when it comes to their friendship. Bassanio seems like he is using Antonio for his money and is kind of taking advantage of him. Like you were saying about the beginning of the play Antonio's emotions and sadness are all of a sudden put on the back burner because Bassanio comes in talking about his problems. I could also see Antonio using Bassanio's situation for getting back at Shylock. Antonio is so confident that he can pay the debt and even double it. There is just something peculiar about the whole friendship.
Antonio and Bassanio have a very strange, and oddly close relationship, as you mentioned. It could relate to the close male relationships at this time, but Bassanio is only after Portia so that he can use her money to pay off his debts. He calls her a "golden fleece" which makes her seem like a treasure that will bring him great riches, but not someone he loves. I also agree that the pound of flesh could have phallic meaning since Shylock wants to prove his masculinity over Antonio, and this is the best way to do it.
First of all, the title of this post made me laugh so hard because for that whole scene that was exactly what was on my mind as well. However, I definitely agree with you that their relationship is really strange and they don't seem to be on the same page when it comes to one another. I'm curious to see how it will play out in the future, and to see if, as Nicole said, Antonio uses "Bassanio's situation for getting back at Shylock."
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