Write the character sketch of Bassanio.

Ans.

BASSANIO

Bassanio’s role in the play “The Merchant of Venice’ is of very great significance. He is one of the four main characters-Portia, Shylock, Antonio and Bassanio-without whom the play would have been impossible. But this is also true that he is the least important of the four. He makes the least favourable impression at the out set. When he makes his first appearance we learn that he has lost all that he had inherited, spent all that he had borrowed form his dearest friend Antonio all through his extra vagance. His indiscretion in spending has led him to mature into a man of the world-a fortune hunter.

Bassanio is a mon educated, cultured, handsome young man belonging to a noble family of Venice. He is dearest friend of Antonio. Whenever he needs money he banks upon the generosity of Antonio.

Bassanio is a man of very sweet and amiable disposition. He is loved and liked by all those who come in his contact. His learning culture and handsomeness make very favourable impression on Portia-the rich heiress of Belmont. She is an exquisitely beautiful maiden, virtuous talented.

Through his extra vagant ways Bassanio loses all he had. He thinks of Portia who is richly left and for whom suitors come from the four corners of the world. In order to make a favourable impression he needs money. He approaches Antonio for a further loan. Here Bassanio is seen as a man of practical wisdom. He explains to Antonio his plan to repair the loss he has done to his possessions by making yet another investment to retrieve the business loss. So we find that Bassanio’s advances to Portia are not actual purely by love alone. His love for Portia was a part of a strategy to rehabilitate himself in the cultured social life of Venice. to win Portia he needs the approval of Antonio because he needs his financial backing for his ambitions venture to go to Belmont. The rapturous description of Portia and also of his strategy are evidence of Bassanio’s scheming intellect.

Despite this streak of practical wisdom Bassanio was a true and noble friend. Antonio’s gesture of risking his life does show his noble heart and consideration for Bassanio yet it can be argued that is stems from his confidence that he would repay the debt, many times over in three months. But Bassanio protests against signing such a vile and vicious bond with all sincerity and concern for his dear friend.

But after reaching Belmont Bassanio reveals himself to be a true lover of Portia. His conduct and bearing in Portia’s presence are truly noble. The choice of the lead-casket puts the final seal on his sterling merit-for love he is willing and prepared to risk all. But while at Belmont he forgets about his dear friend and the risk he is running.

He is rudely shaken out of his dream-world when he receives Antonio’s letter describing his fate. The reaction witnessed by Portia on Antonio’s face is a clear indication of Bassanio’s true concern for Antonio.

His love for Portia is also exhibited in his speech and action after the trail, in his embarrassment and utmost reluctance in parting with his wedding ring. Also his embarrassment when Portia takes her to task for having given away the ring is an indication of his love for Portia.

Bassanio is an accomplished and cultured young man. He has great practical wisdom though he is indiscreet in his spending. He loves Antonio and Portia very much. He is a man of honour and tolerance. Through out the play he has never shown any disrespect to Judaism or spoken ill of Shylock’s personal likes and dislikes.