How Much Humor Can You Take? Antonio is the namesake of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, but in addition to contributing to the title, his constant search for emotional martyrdom adds an air of depth and drama to an otherwise lighthearted and laughable play. Like many of Shakespeare's best characters, Antonio could easily be overlooked as a mere plot-device. However, upon further inspection, he's more than just two-dimensional; he has a history, a personality, and a raison d'tre. Entering with complaints of phantom depressions, Antonio explains his woes to two of his friends, Salerio and Solanio. ANTONIO: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 itWhat stuff 'tis made of, whereof 'tis bornI am to learn.And such a want-wit sadness makes of meThat I have much ado to know myself (I.i.1-7).The audience never does learn the cause of this depression. Nor, it seems, does Antonio. Many speculate it is foreshadowing of his melancholy to come, while others say it is just a display of Antonio's default attitude: romantic sadness. His emotions are not those of a cell-bound manic-depressive, but rather those of a large hearted person doting ceaselessly for the unattainable. Why does this open the play? Shakespeare often cleverly manipulated his characters' actions for the sake of plot revelations. For instance, Shakespeare uses his depression to let Salerio and Solanio question him about his affairs, thus introducing him to the audience. Throughout the play, the repercussions of many adventures fall upon Antonio; his 3,000-ducat debt, and Shylock's subsequent rancor, as well as the destruction of his ships all must be placed on his shoulders. However, in the end, while everyone else finds love, he is alone. It almost seems that Antonio welcomes these negative events, as they fuel his tears and moans. This is not to say that he is a crybaby, but rather that he does what...
