Quotations about Antonio Flashcards
Antonio is sad initially, and truly doesn’t know why he is sad
“In sooth, I know not why I am so sad. / It wearies me; you say it wearies you. / But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, / What stuff ‘tis made of, whereof it is born, / I am to learn.” (1.1.1)
Antonio says he cares about Salarino and Solanio very much, even though they are secondary friends, but he understands they have business to do
“Your worth is very dear in my regard. / I take it your own business calls on you / And you embrace th’ occasion to depart.” (1.1.62)
Antonio is willing, possibly to an unhealthy extent, to let Bassanio use all his money in ventures despite the great debt Bassanio has already accumulated
“And if it stand, as you yourself still do, / Within the eye of honour, be assured / My purse, my person, my extremest means / Lie all unlocked to your occasions.” (1.1.136)
Antonio likens Shylock to the devil and a villain when he quotes the scripture, showing his dislike of Shylock and his antisemitism
“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. / An evil soul producing holy witness / Is like a villain with a smiling cheek, / A goodly apple rotten at the heart. / Oh, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!” (1.3.94)
Shylock explains in-depth how much Antonio has discriminated against him verabally and through spitting, showing Antonio’s antisemitism and dislike for Shylcock
“You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, / And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine” (1.3.107)
Shylock explains that Antonio has even been violent against him, showing the great extent of Antonio’s antisemitism and dislike of Shylock
“You, that did void your rheum upon my beard / And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur / Over your threshold!” (1.3.113)
Antonio sends many people to search for Gratiano before Bassanio leaves, implying he cares about even Gratiano and that he doesn’t miss and important visit to Belmont
“I have sent twenty out to seek for you.” (2.6.65)
Antonio is shown to be very kind to Bassanio and tells Bassanio not to rush when he is in Belmont
“A kinder gentleman treads not the earth. / I saw Bassanio and Antonio part. / Bassanio told him he would make some speed / Of his return. He answered, “Do not so. / Slubber not business for my sake” (2.8.35)
Shylock describes, later on in the play, how badly Antonio discriminated against him, showing Antonio’s antisemitism has had a long-lasting impact
“He hath disgraced me and hindered me half / a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, / scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my / friends, heated mine enemies - and what’s his reason? I / am a Jew” (3.1.44)
