Differences Between Il Pecorne and a Merchant of Venice

The similarities between Ser Giovanni's Il Pecorone and William Shakespeare's A Merchant of Venice are blatantly obvious. The stories seem to be essentially the same with few differences between them. It appears that Shakespeare just added dialogue to an existing tale, not having created the plot himself. This simply is not the case. While there are many recognizable similarities between Il Pecorone and A Merchant of Venice there are significant differences between Shakespeare's character of Bassanio and Giovanni's character Giannetto. The differences begin with who each character is and their role in the plot. Giannetto is a man originally from Florence who is left by his father with no inheritance. Instead, his father wishes for him to go and live with his wealthy merchant godfather, Ansaldo, who lives in Venice. Bassanio is a gentleman of Venice and is a close friend of Antonio, a rich merchant as well. The bond between them is so close it has been suggested that they were possible lovers. Then next difference between these men is in their actions. Giannetto becomes very well respected within the community and extremely popular in Venice. After setting sail on an excursion with his friends, Giannetto tries his luck at courting a very wealthy widow. He fails the required test and loses all the possessions he had brought with him, a great deal of wealth. He returns home to Venice and lies about how he lost Ansaldo's fortune, that his ship had got caught in some wind and hit some rocks. He continues these lies and returns to the port of the Lady of Belmonte twice more. Bassanio on the other hand is honest and genuine in his relationship with Antonio. He outright tells Antonio why he needs the money and is upfront about everything. He also needs money to make his way to Belmont in order to try and wed the fair Portia. He has previously met the lady on an earlier voyage and seeks to return to her. He actually cars for this woman compared to Giannetto who learns of the challenge of the wealthy widow while at sea and decides he must attempt to win her himself. The biggest difference between the two characters is the quality of person they are. Bassanio is a much better person compared to Giannetto. He is genuine and has respect for others while Giannetto is only out for himself. When Bassanio receives word of Antonio's trouble he immediately does everything in his power to return home and aid his good friend. He also refuses that Antonio take a bond that threatens his life, and only agrees when Antonio insists. These actions show the kind heart of Bassanio. He is a kind compassionate man who remembers the sacrifices others have made for him. Giannetto is very selfish and greedy in his need for wealth and fortune. He falls for the same trick twice and would have the third time if a chambermaid had not warned him not to drink the wine. He only cares for himself; he willingly evaporates all of Ansaldo's wealth and risks his life for his personal conquest that he lies about. After two failed voyages Ansaldo asks Giannetto to stay because they still have enough money to live off of. Gianetto replies, "I am determined to do all in my power to go – for I am ashamed to live in this way," (Giovanni 146). This quote exemplifies the type of person that Giannetto is: self-centered and disrespectful of the sacrifices others have made for him.
Another example is after Ansaldo agreed to a bond with the Jew for a pound of flesh, Giannetto completely turned his back on him and lived in bliss never giving him another thought until he overheard someone talking about a merchant's misfortune. If he had not seen the burning torches for feast day he would have never given the man who sacrificed so much for him to pursue his own personal ambitions a second thought. This again shows blatant disrespect for a man who cares so deeply for him to risk his life for the son of a friend. Giannetto has no respect for anyone other than himself. When first looking at both stories side by side it is very easy to find the obvious similarities between the two. It looks as if they are the same, with only very minor changes, such as the characters' names. When analyzed however, it becomes apparent that there are significant differences between Bassanio and Giannetto. While they have similar occurrences in both of their lives, they are very different people. Overall, William Shakespeare creates a much more compassionate caring character in Bassanio compared to Giovanni's more selfish, and greedy Giannetto.