The Merchant of Venice

Set in sixteenth-century Venice, the story unfolds as Bassanio seeks to woo the wealthy heiress Portia but lacks the funds to do so. He borrows money from his friend Antonio, who turns to the moneylender Shylock. When Antonio's fortunes decline, he faces a dire consequence due to the loan's harsh terms. Portia's clever intervention leads to a resolution, highlighting themes of love, mercy, and the complexities of justice, although Shylock's fate remains tragic.