Antonio's Frustration: Revealed

      As The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare progresses, the character of Antonio begins to unravel throughout the story. He begins as a very distraught man, over what, he is unsure. Solanio and Salarino begin making hypothesis as to the root of his sadness. When they bring up the idea of love, Antonio brushes off the topic as if it were a joke. However, his discomfort about the subject allows the reader to infer that he may be unsatisfied in that realm of his life.
       Later in the book, Bassanio comes to Antonio seeking a loan. Even though he has defaulted on his loan in the past, and prior to an explanation of why he needs the loan, Antonio says, "Within the eye of honor, be assured/ My purse, my person, my extremest means/ Lie all unlocked to your occasions" (1.1.144-145). Best friends have close bonds, but most are not willing to sacrifice all of their possessions and even more extreme, their lives, for a friend. Antonio's feelings for Bassanio lie deeper than friendship. At this point, we are still unsure about how much Antonio cares for Bassanio, but the reader learns that there is a special bond between the two.
      Thanks to Antonio's generosity, Bassanio is able to acquire a loan from Shylock and venture to Belmont in an attempt to woo Portia. In order to borrow the money, Antonio is locked into a binding contract that allows one pound of his flesh to be cut from his chest if the loan is not paid back on the specified date. His ships crash, the cargo is lost, and Antonio is unable to repay Shylock. Once Antonio realizes that Shylock will have no mercy he hopes that he will be able to see Bassanio one last time; "Pray God Bassanio come/ To see me pay his debt, and then I care not" (3.4.38-39). Antonio is placed in a rather grave situation because he believes he is about to forfeit his life for Bassanio's happiness. Although he never intended his ships to fail, he knew it was a possibility when he signed the contract. Now he is going to perish for the well being of another. Antonio wants Bassanio to recognize all the sacrifices he has made.
     Antonio is a complex character because he is so indecisive about his own feelings. He cares deeply for Bassanio, yet knows they can never be together because of the disapproval of homosexuality in society. He therefore wants Bassanio to lead a joyful life, and will thus do whatever he can to assist. However, the situation becomes complicated when the contract jeopardizes Antonio's life so that Bassanio may wed Portia. Antonio pays for the man he loves to marry another woman. This unravels the depth of the tension because Antonio is not able to be with Bassanio, yet he still wants to support their friendship. The emotional conflict within Antonio creates the complexity of his character.