Understanding Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice by Robert A. Albano - HTML preview
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Fifth, a minor conflict involvesLancelot’s problems withShylock. This conflict is also double-sided: man vs. man and man vs. society (class structure).
Sixth, the attempts of theother suitorsattempt to win Portia also makes up a subplot, again depicting man vs. fate
Certain critics argue that Antonio’s conflict with himself is at heart of play. Antonio’s conflict involves two contrary states –happiness and sadness. Other characters are happy in having something to achieve. Even Shylock is happy in thinking about revenge.
Suspensein the play is created by the wooing scenes and by the attempts of the three suitors:
- ActII,Scene7:PrinceofMorocco€goldcasket
- ActII,Scene9:PrinceofAragon€silvercasket
- ActIII,Scene2:Bassanio€leadcasket
Antonio’s loss of ships does not contribute much to the suspense, since those losses are mentioned in reported speech (and not in the main action of the play).