The play opens in Venice. Where the title character, Antonio - the merchant of Venice, resides. He is a successful man, but is melancholy and weary for reasons he can't explain, not even to his compatriots Salarnio and Salanio. They feel that his depression is from the stresses and worries that sprout from the shipping business, but his worries come not from these or love. The three are then met by Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Gratiano. Salarnio and Salanio leave, giving the three newcomers of the scene the task of helping Antonio feel better. Gratiano proceeds to accuse Antonio of faking his melancholy in order to make himself seem wise. Lorenzo then reprimands Gratiano for saying too much, and the two depart form the scene. Bassanio owes Antonio a debt of money and love, but he hopes to be in a position to repay all of his debts if he can marry the rich and fantastic Portia of Belmont. He, however, needs money to pay for the trip to Belmont. Unfortunately, Antonio's wealth is invested in his ships at sea, and is unable to lend the necessary money to his friend. But, since his credit is good, he promises to borrow the money for his friend. Scene I opens with Antonio feeling melancholy, which isn't connected to his business or his love life. Actually, his discomfort is a foreshadowing of his dealing's with Shylock. It also plays a contrast to the livelihood and beauty that Venice held at that time. Antonio is portrayed as a true Venetian gentleman, an embodiment of faith and kindness. His apathy shows his worry for his inner life. His spiritual beliefs keep him distanced from earthly goods. He believes that these material possessions were simply a test for one's soul. He also shows his vulnerability when he converses with his friends Salanio and Salarnio. Antonio's companions think that his sadness roots from his ships at sea. Salarnio feels that his ships are safe, and that they demand respect from the other ships. Salanio, on the other hand, feels that the ships are in constant danger. Salarnio agrees with him on some points. The storms and the sea are used as uncontrollable forces of nature that the characters have no hold of. Antonio's "gentle" ships are symbolic of Antonio, while the storms and treacherous waters are symbolic of Shylock. If Antonio can master the symbolic seas, he will be prosperous. But if his ships are overtaken by the embodied waters of Shylock, he will suffer greatly.
The events that take place in Scene I lay the groundwork for the rest of the play. It provides hints at what the outcome may be, but doesn't give the audience too much information about the plot. The play revolves around one main plot, and three sub-plots. The main plot is centered around mercy and forgiveness, while the other three plots surround the romances of Portia and Bassanio, Gratiano and Nerissa, and finally Lorenzo and Jessica. The end of the play ties up all of the loose ends that are presented in the beginning, with an accent on the importance of trust, love, friendship, and mercy.
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