The Merchant of Venice Structure, Characters, Themes Two World • Venice • • • Language of money, commerce Male friendship Justice / letter of law • Belmont • • • Poetic language Love / marriage bonds Mercy / spirit of law Old vs. New Testament • • • • Judaism Justice / Retribution Letter of Law “A Daniel come to judgment” • • • • Christianity Mercy / Forgiveness Spirit of Law “Quality of Mercy is not strained” Three plots • Casket plot • • Pound of Flesh plot