Opening

• • The first scene introduces us to Antonio, who is telling his two friends, Salerio and Salanio that he is really sad, but is unsure why. “In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.” 
  • His friends come up with all the possible reasons why he could be sad; the possibility of losing his ships at sea,(he insists that his fortune does not rest in any one ship and that his wealth is not dependent on them coming back)

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• • They suggest that he is in love but he diminishes it, before Bassanio enters with Lorenzo and Gratiano. Salerio and Salanio leave and Gratiano tells Antonio that he does not look well, Antonio replies that the world is a stage and his part is simply, “a sad one.” After a long speech,
  • Bassanio and Antonio on stage- Antonio asks Bassanio about the mystery woman he is setting off on a ‘pilgrimage,’ to see. Bassanio, in a guilty tone, (squandered all of his money). Owes a lot of money to Antonio.
• .“To you, Antonio, I owe the most in money and in love.” He reveals plan - to pay back the debt that he owes to Antonio.
• • Antonio replies by telling Bassanio that whatever he wants, he need only ask. “Be assured/My purse, my person, my extremest means/ Lie all unlock’d to your occasions.” 
  • Bassanio tells him, “In Belmont is a lady richly left.” woman - left a huge inheritance and is suitors are coming all over the 🌍 to seek her hand in marriage.But for Bassanio to try his luck, he needs to have money to impress her. “Had I but the means/ To hold a rival place with one of them.”

  Antonio- money is 🛳 tells him to look for a loan in Venice that will be repaid by Antonio. “Try what my credit can in Venice do.” .