The merchant of Venice was performed in 1605 .It's alternative title is the jew of Venice and the lady of Belmont.But jew is a villain and it is comedy.So he changes its name -The merchant of Venice.And the second title is the lady of belmont.Portia is rich heiress. Antonio and portia both are important.But Antonia's sacrifice is more important than portia's role. So author changes its name.Venice is city of trade, wealth and romance .So play's themes are love,justice,mercy,honour,religious intolerance etc.It is different type of play because in it antagonist Shylock is both a villain and a victim. This paper's objective is to present a critical study of the play and some new exploration about play.
Pallavi Pallavi (Fri,) studied this question.