Merchant of Venice Lesson Plan

Antonio opens by telling us that he feels sadness but doesn't know why. What are some possible reasons for Antonio's melancholy mood?

Antonio's friends suggest that he is either worried about the fate of his trading ships, or he is in love. Antonio denies both, although he may not be entirely honest in these denials. We will later learn that he is financially more vulnerable than he claims to be here (although he likely does not realize that at this point). If he is in love, who is he in love with?

He may be blue simply because he is bored. At this point, Antonio's business appears to be doing predictably well (but not spectacularly so). He appears to be a bit disengaged...