Blog #3: Antonio's Love For Bassanio

         It is a common thread throughout Shakespeare's works to have an implied homosexual relationship between two male characters. In The Merchant of Venice, it is an open ended question as to whether Antonio has romantic feelings for his best friend Bassanio. This possibility is brought to light due to Antonio's unusual disposition to help Bassanio by lending him money that he does not have. Christianity is a very important element of the play. According to this religion, homosexuality is completely immoral. For this reason, it would be impossible for Antonio to love Bassanio because of their religious beliefs which are clearly stressed throughout the events in the play. As he speaks to Antonio, Bassanio says, "To you, Antonio, I owe the most, in money and in love, And from your love I have a warranty To unburden all my plots and purposes How to get clear of all the debts I owe " (Shakespeare, I.i.129-133). Evidently, there is a dependency of Antonio's money on Bassanio's part, and Antonio gladly goes along with anything Bassanio needs. This is nothing but a very strong brotherly friendship.  If Antonio does have romantic feelings for Bassanio, he would not be interested in Bassanio's affairs with women: "Well, tell me now what lady is the same To whom you swore a secret pilgrimage That you today promised to tell me of" (Shakespeare, I.i.118-120). The idea of Antonio being a homosexual is valid based on his behavior towards Bassanio; however, based on the play's focus on religion, it can be argued that he is not a homosexual.