Hayes, 1

Baylee Hayes
AP Literature and Composition
Mrs. Rutan
11 May 2014

Like Father Like Son? Or Father Likes Son?
Think of a time before you could provide on your own. Do you remember that new pair of shoes
that you were just dying to buy? Or maybe that little bit of extra cash you wanted before you took out
the girl of your dreams on a date? Who did you ask for the Benjamins that you wanted?
Your parents.
Having a relationship with your parents, or someone to take their place if theyre not around, is
crucial to growing up-- and we see this theme takeover in Shakespeares comedic play, The Merchant of
Venice. Shakespeares play explores complicated relationships throughout its five acts-- and the most
intriguing of them all being that of Antonio and Bassanio.
It is obvious from the start of Shakespeares play that Antonio and Bassanio have had a past
relationship before the opening curtain. Deciding what that relationship entailed can be difficult to
some readers, but after taking a second look, it is easy to see that the author wanted to reveal that the
complexity of a father and son relationship does not always have to run skin deep. Shakespeares proves
that this connection is possible and still can be as thick as blood, even if your bloods not the same. Not
only is Antonio much older than Bassanio, he is much wiser and much, much wealthier. These qualities
that Antonio holds are admirable and it is obvious that Bassanio looks up to him seeks him for advice.
The relationship between these two characters is pure and innocent, but not all audiences see it that
way.
Hayes, 2

Many theorist and Shakespeare enthusiasts believe that the reason for Antonios sadness is due
to his conflicting and homosexual love interest with his best friend Bassanio; however, taking a second
look at the play you see clearly that this is not the case. In the opening scene, after continuously
questioning Antonio about the source of his sadness, Solanio jumps to the conclusion that he is, in
love, (I.i.46). This is where those theorists get their fuel. Not only do they assume that Antonio was
lying when he dismissed this for why he was unhappy, but they go to the extreme of thinking that it is
Bassanio that he is in love with. Not only is this claim far-fetched, it is impractical due to the time period
and context of the play. Trying to introduce risqu themes such as homosexuality during the 15th
century is almost impossible because of the strict correlation with church and how it impacted the lives
of society every day. The relationship between Antonio and Bassanio was not inappropriate; however, it
did impact their lives and played as a chisel that shaped their characterization as best friends.
Shakespeare portrays Antonio as a weak yet devoted character from as early as the first line of
the play. Antonios first words are, In sooth, I know not why I am so sad, (I.i.1). The very first line we
hear as an audience is Antonio saying he is sad and he does not know why-- if this does not show
weakness, I do not know what does. This weakness that Antonio shows is can later be translated into
how loyal he is in his friendship with Bassanio. After finding out that his BFF Bassanio is in trouble,
Antonio begs Bassanio to let him know whats wrong. Antonio even goes as far as promising Bassanio
that, *his+ purse, *his+ person, *his+ extremest means/Lie all unlocked to *Bassanios+ occasions,
(I.i.140). Antonio then takes up a bond with Shylock, the plays perceived antagonist, offering one pound
of his flesh if he fails to pay three thousand ducats, (I.iii.8). This bond in itself is absolutely ridiculous
and the facts that everyone agreed to this makes me so heated, but lets not get onto that. Considering
this attachment that Antonio obviously has for Bassanio, it is simple to conclude that Antonio can be
seen as a type of fatherly figure for Bassanio to look up to, instead of someone he can look up and
down. Bassanio sees Antonios faithfulness and whether he means to or not-- uses it to his advantage.
Hayes, 3

When looking at Antonios first line, it was telling of his character and the same goes for our
irresponsible Bassanio. Bassanio tells Antonio Tis not unknown to you, Antonio, How much I have
disabled mine estate,/ By something showing a more swelling port/Than my faint means would grant
continuance, (I.i.124). Its isnt his first line, but he does admit that he is terrible with handling money
and that hes in debt. This scene can be viewed today as a contemporary visual of a child asking his or
her parent for money when they want something. This is where we get Antonio as a father for young
Bassanio to learn from. Later, we see that this isnt the first time that Bassanio has asked for Antonios
help, yet Antonio is always willing to give it. This reliability and support that Antonio constantly gives can
be perverted into an inappropriate relationship, but thats not what Shakespeare intended.
Shakespeares piece, The Merchant of Venice has relationships ranging from an agitated daughter
held against her will by a dead father, to a daughter who ran away and changed religion due to her
devious father. The relationship between Bassanio and Antonio might not be genetically made such as
Portia and her father or Jessica and Shylock, but it is the most loving relationship we see throughout the
comedy. This can be viewed as a judgment on fatherly relationships, however by adding the intricacy of
Bassanio and Antonio, Shakespeare creates a positive outlook on mixed family relationships that can still
be used today. So whether the person giving you Benjamins is you blood father, your best friend, or
your same-sex lover, Shakespeare shows us that we need to value our relationships with those who
value us.