Merchant of Venice

We see accounting in the marriage venture first when Antonio borrows money from Shylock. Since Antonio is against usury and Shylock is aware of that face, he forgoes any interest on the loan. Instead he includes a forfeit fee of a pound of flesh for each ducat owed. Portia’s father made a will in which a wealthy suitor could own his land and the love of his daughter if only he picks the right chest; this is a commercial feature in the play. What I thought was interesting was that even if the suitor chose the wrong chest he must never get married. Why you do think that was? Did the King want him out of circulation because he would be deemed a threat to his family’s wealth?

The modern day marriage venturing I think of is the marriage between two pseudo-celebrities; for example Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The difference between Shakespeare’s play is the characters in the play were not trying to hide the fact that it was a business transaction to gain the King’s land and daughter. In today’s marriage venture it is concealed, you are not sure whether the marriage is for love or money. The similarities are both parties came together to get what they wanted. In Shakespeare’s play Portia rigged the contest by sending a subliminal message through the music so Bassano could choose the right chest. Kim and Kayne collaborated together in the business transaction (their wedding) so both parties would gain wealth.

Even though it’s a fictional play I think that Shakespeare covered the aspects of commerce and accounting well. I thought it was more interesting to read about it from a play rather than a simple paper. I am curious to see the movie; I will have to watch it tomorrow.