The Merchant of Venice

Part ofEnglish Literature

  • The Merchant of Venice

    • Plot summary - CCEA

      The Merchant of Venice follows a merchant who risks his life to help a friend, leading to a tense legal battle over a "pound of flesh" and a clever disguise that saves the day.

    • Characters - CCEA

      The Merchant of Venice explores how key characters such as Shylock, Antonio, Portia and Bassanio drive the play’s conflicts around justice, mercy and prejudice in Venetian society.

    • Form, structure and language - CCEA

      The Merchant of Venice explores how Shakespeare blends comedy and tragedy through five acts, using disguise, conflict and the trial scene to question justice, mercy and prejudice.

    • Context - CCEA

      The Merchant of Venice explores Elizabethan attitudes to antisemitism, money, patriarchy and power, explaining characters’ views on justice, wealth, religion, love and status.

    • Example questions - CCEA

      The Controlled Assessment theme for ‘The Study of Shakespeare’ changes every year. The choice of play and specific wording of the question you will answer is up to your teacher.

Links