The Merchant of Venice

The Venetian Times

An insight into the controversial Antonio vs. Shylock trial

     By Lorraine Dindi

     Contrary to what most people speculated, the events of the most talked about topic in all of Venice proved to be utterly shocking. The high profile trial of a respected Venetian merchant whose overseas’ estate suffered a horrific fate just last week; Antonio Carrolizzi drew a lot of attention from media and society. He was being sued by infamous Jewish usurer and synagogue owner; Shylock Ushkowitz. The trial gathered a lot of attention when an anonymous source reported the terms of the forfeited contract to a local news broadcasting network. It was reported that the almost impoverished nobleman, Bassanio Rossi borrowed three thousand ducats in Antonio’s name, from the Jewish moneylender. The collateral Antonio confidently agreed to, was a pound of flesh closest to his heart.

     Upon discovering this information, many Venetians believed it was a merry bond and Shylock was not serious. Attitudes changed when a video was leaked by a now-sacked jailer, showing Shylock viciously promising to carry out the contract to a helpless Antonio. Shylock repeatedly shouting “I’ll have my bond” appalled many Christians and caused a rift between the Christian and Jewish communities.

     The Christians said that this was further proof of the ‘canine-like’ nature employed by the ruthless ‘devils’. Venetian Jews retaliated by claiming Shylock had a right to revenge due to the persecution and stigma Jews face daily, and Christian men ‘preying’ on young Jewish girls. This turned out to be a reference to the recent elopement of Shylock’s daughter, Jessica Ushkowitz with Christian nobleman, Lorenzo Camillo.

     The elopement itself was a topic of gossip amongst the city after Shylock was portrayed in yet another scandalous video, grieving his daughter’s betrayal and theft on the rugged marketplace streets, not too far from the Rialto.

     It was announced that the Duke would be mediating the trial. While Shylock vouched to testify for himself in the courtroom, Antonio was to be represented by Paduan Attorney General, Dr Giovanni Bellario. Bellario failed to be in attendance but sent an apprentice, Marco Balthazar. Balthazar is a candidate for a Doctorate in Italian Laws and Constitutions from the University of Milan.

     The trial began with the Duke and other intercessors pleading Shylock for mercy. In attendance were several Magnificoes, noblemen and friends of Antonio including socialites Pacco Gratiano and Rabbani Salerio. Bassanio was also present. Shylock refused to pardon Antonio despite offers form his arbitrators for thrice the initial loan. The Jew opted to keep mum about his reasons.

     The entrance of Balthazar turned the tables. The civil doctor gave a moving speech about the relationship between justice and mercy and their influence to our salvation. The Jury seemed untouched and the final verdict was announced shortly after; Shylock was to have his bond.

     Antonio delivered his final words, ironically they were directed to Bassanio who had even offered to take his place. However, while Shylock was preparing his knife and scales, Balthazar revealed loopholes in the contract. Legally, Shylock was only entitled to flesh, any blood that was spilt would be illegal. He also had to remove precisely a pound, no more no less. Depressed, Shylock decided to give up his vengeance and opted for the financial reparations instead, which were then also denied to him. Balthazar then pointed to the Jury that according to Venetian law, it was illegal for a foreigner to conspire murder against a native. The Duke and a happy Antonio spared Shylock his life but half his fortune was confiscated and the other half was inscribed in his will to be passed onto Jessica and her lover, Lorenzo. Disgraced and defeated, Shylock left the court in shame.

     Three of Antonio’s ships have been reported safe and it is being said Bassanio and Gratiano paid Balthazar and his clerk heavily, for saving the life of their friend. However, the division between the Jews and the Christians has only deepened with the outcome of the trial. The streets of Venice are flooding with racial slurs and acts of vandalism have been conveyed.