Le marchand de Venise

by William Shakespeare

"Le marchand de Venise" by William Shakespeare is a play written between 1596 and 1598. When a Venetian merchant defaults on a loan from Jewish moneylender Shylock, the penalty demanded is a pound of flesh. Though classified as a comedy, the play is best remembered for its dramatic intensity and Shylock's character. It features famous speeches on humanity and mercy, while sparking ongoing debate about antisemitism through its portrayal of legal rights versus human dignity.