Write the character sketch of Gratiano.

Ans.

GRATIANO

In Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’ there are as usual some major-Portia, Shylock. Antonio and Bassanio-characters and others not so important. Among the latter group we have Gratiano, companion of Bassanio as Nerissa is of Portia. He claims our attention not because of the company he keeps but by right. He does not bask in the reflected glory but shines on the strength of sterling virtues of his own.

We may rarely meet an Antonio, a Shylock or a Portia in our real life but Gratiano is the representative of the familiar social types. He is the genial, humorous being without whom no company is complete. To be cheerful himself and to keep those around him in good humour and at times in boisterous spirits is the mission of Gratiano’s life. He amuses and entertains and play his part effortlessly and excellently. He is not clever in the worldly scene, he is simple and unostentatious.

But behind his boisterous spirits there is a mind which is capable of restraint and possessing sense of proportion. When he desires to accompany Bassanio to Belmont, Bassanio cautions him to curb his exuberance lest he should spoil everything. He not only promises that he would behave in a restrained manner but also proceeds to outline his conduct in Belmont-he lives up to his promise.

Gratiano is a merry soul and we feel Bassanio underestimates his companion when he says that Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nonsense and that his speeches have “two grains in two bushels of wheat”. Bassanio has been unkind. Gratiano’s philosophy of life is remarkable refreshing and enable us to develop a positive outlook on life and also towards off melancholy (as it is in the case of Antonio). he does hit off shrewd scene for which he rarely gets credit and he does not mind it. He has seen the world but the evils and treacheries fail to make him a cynic.

He has a kind heart and is admirably suited to Nerissa whom he ultimately brings round to marry him Bassanio marries Portia.

Despite Bassanio’s remark about his talkativeness, Bassanio loves Gratiano and holds him in very high esteem otherwise why should he permit Gratiano to keep his company constantly. Next Bassanio readily accept Gratiano’s request to be married to Nerissa simultaneously when Bassanio weds Portia.

Bassanio is a loveable and memorable character-his turning table speeches to Shylock in the Court Scene do a lot to take off much of the gloom and inject some good humour and light heartedness instead.