Unregistered
05-24-2005, 06:07 PM
"Antonio, though reluctant, offers Bassanio 3,000 ducats (money) to help him"<br>Antonio is not reluctant. He is so willing to lend Bassiano money that even though his ships are at sea, he goes to Shylock. Bassiano suggests the sum of 3,000 ducats first to Shylock.<br><br>"Bassanio convinces the merchant Shylock the Jew to lend him 3000 ducats, with Antonio putting up his property as the bond."<br>Antonio's body, not property, is the bond. That's why Shylock wants his flesh later. Shylock only makes the deal because he thinks Antonio's property (ships at sea) is insecure.<br><br>