The ring episode of The Merchant of Venice
Question: Discuss the ring-episode of “The Merchant of Venice”.
Introduction: Shakespeare’s mastery in the field of literature is untold. The ring episode of “The Merchant of Venice” is one of the vital tricks like a bond trick, casket riddle, and trial scene. To put it differently, it is predominating to provide momentum to the development of the drama’s plot.
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The ring episode
The word episode synonymously indicates an event or story. So, ring episode stands for such type of events or stories of the play which are basically related to love and marriage. But in the play, there are three-dimensional significances of the ring episode.
Love, commitment, and wealth
The ring episode first happens in act three, scene two after Bassanio’s winning over the casket problem. The love between Bassanio and Portia is the key term of the play. From the very outset of the story, Bassanio expresses his deep feeling and passion for Portia. On the other hand, Portia is tired of the casket riddle, but she also bears best wishes for Bassanio. Bassanio shows his hurry to take the chance of casket lottery as soon as he arrives at Belmont after borrowing three thousand ducats from the Venetian usurer Shylock. Portia’s partiality for Bassanio is a sign of love but she conceals it for the last moment of solving the casket puzzle. She cannot but expose herself whenever Bassanio gets won over the casket secret. She declares her love and commitment and allows Bassanio as the authority of her wealth. It is in her tongue:
”This house, these servants and this same myself
Are yours, my lord: I give them with this ring;
Which when you part from, lose, or give away,
Let it presage the ruin of your love”
After hearing this superb speech from Portia, Bassanio instantly agrees and promises to take well care of the ring. He confidently proclaims that only death can bring the closure of his love. Thus, the ring is a symbol of love, commitment, and wealth. This is also proven through Shylock’s lamentation.
Friendship and gratefulness
After long tiring arguments at the court of the Duke of Venice, disguised Dr. Balthazar rescues Antonio from the mouth of death. Bassanio then offers the young lawyer a considerable amount of money. In response, the young lawyer Dr. Balthazar asserts that he does not charge money whenever he saves someone from death. But he surprises Bassanio by demanding the ring of his finger. Bassanio shows his reluctance to give the ring because of his promise and commitment. But Antonio persuades Bassanio to give the ring to the lawyer. Eventually, Bassanio confers the ring to Dr. Balthazar. Therefore, Bassanio is a loser and a grateful friend at the same time.
Driving force for the funny and happy ending
When the audience will enjoy “The Merchant of Venice” for the first time, they may be pretty sure that the trial scene is the last scene of the play. But Shakespeare’s creative genius is somewhat beyond the expectation of the spectators. The last ring episode creates suspense for a happy and funny ending. Bassanio with Antonio and Gratiano reaches Belmont at Portia’s house. Portia is happy seeing Antonio free, but she blames her husband to spend the night with an illicit woman because of the absence of the ring on his finger. Bassanio tries to convince Portia but she is unmoved. Antonio comes forward to save his friend and politely confesses that he is responsible for all. Then Portia gives Antonio the ring to offer it to Bassanio. Bassanio inquires how it is possible. Portia answers humorously that the same lawyer came to Belmont and she spent a night with him that is why she has gifted it. Nerissa also behaves with Gratiano like Portia. After having realized the cross-dressing twist, Bassanio reacts in the following manner:
”Sweet doctor, you shall be my bed-fellow:
When I am absent, then lie with my wife”.
Conclusion: In termination, it is vivid and transparent that the ring episodes do not only signifies the Elizabethan tradition of love, wealth, and commitment of the upper class but also decorate the characters with virtue, intellect, and humor. It is undoubtedly inevitable for plot structure too.
