Notesale: Turn your study into money

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Montana Craven

Devoted or Passionate which word best describes Antonio
Throughout the play Shakespeare reveals the character of Antonio to us, at some points he seems
devoted however at other times possessive seems the best way to describe him, we learn at the
beginning of act 1 that Antonio is willing to give his life up in order for Bassinio
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Devoted is the best way to describe Antonio as he is willing to do anything for Bassanio ‘My purse, my
person, my extremest means’ ‘Lie al unlocked to your occasion’ here Antonio claims his willingness and
complete and utter devotion for Bassanio
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As the plot unravels Antonio makes a deal
with Shylock however we learn that with this bond there is a consequence
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In Act 1 Scene 3 the audience learns the true consequences of the bond as Shylock reveals the terms if
the bond is not paid back on time ‘an equal pound/Of your fair flesh, to be cut of and taken’ Antonio
once again proclaims his devoutness by not questioning the bond and quickly agreeing to it ‘Content, in
faith! I’ll seal to such a bond
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In act two we see Antonio from the perspective of Salarino as he says ‘And with affection
wondrous sensible? He wrung Bassino’s hand, and so they parted
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Possessive is the best word to describe Antonio as the play progresses we see Antonios supposed
devoutness turn into being possessive as we question his wills of being so selfless
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The pessimistic approach
comes to mind as the audience question if there is really such a thing as a selfless deed
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As if he dies for
bassinos, Portia will never fully be in his heart
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’ You may as well go stand upon the
beach/And bid the main flood bate his usual height
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The
audience continues to question Antonio’s nature as he readily gets prepared to die ‘But little; I am
armed and well prepared
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Fare you well
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Antonio wants to create a scarring image in Bassinos mind, so that he will never be able to

Montana Craven

truly love Portia
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In conclusion possessive is the best word to describe Antonio as the only reason he signs the bond is so
that Bassino will be eternally grateful towards him
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However Antonio knows that Bassino
will never be able to truly love him, so by dying for him the bond will always tie them to together
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Antonio is
possessive as he is prepared to die so he can have Bassino

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