The Merchant of Venice (Annotated by Henry N. Hudson with an Introduction by Charles Harold Herford)

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The portrayal of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is central to the themes of prejudice and mercy in this complex play. It follows Bassanio, a nobleman in love with Portia, who seeks a loan from Shylock to court her, leading to a dramatic bond that threatens Antonio's life. Critics debate the play's anti-Semitic elements versus its advocacy for tolerance. Blending comedy and tragedy, it remains a thought-provoking work that challenges easy classification. This edition features annotations and an introduction by notable scholars.