it as nothing but word choice, others dig deeper. Homoerotic underplays are cited numerous times throughout the play, and these are worth investigating. First off, the fact that, even with such obvious characterization as "the lover", Antonio fails in filling that duty could be symbolic of his homosexuality. The correlation is notable between his and Portia's "world-weariness", and at first a reader may think the two seem destined to be togetherbut he remains a bachelor. This leads one to wonder...if he is so in love, and with no woman (for Shakespeare leaves no emotion un-exploited ), who with? However, Bassanio's love for Portia is genuine, as we see. Antonio's love for Bassanio is ardent and passionate. He is willing to bear all his suffering at Shylock's hands for the sake of his friend, and Bassanio declares frequently that he will offer his life en lieu of Antonio's "pound of flesh." Again, this could be close friendship, but one must ask oneselfwould you give your life up for just any friend?Some critics opine that Bassanio is bisexual. His offering of his wedding ring to the handsome young "male" lawyers can be inferred as a sign, depending on the view of the two's relationship. Would it affect the story one way or another? Possibly. It would explain the fervor with which Antonio aids Bassanio, as well as why he remains a bachelor through out the play. This could in turn also explain why Antonio is depressed. His close friend, and possible object of affection, is involved with a far-off woman, to whom he would no doubt make haste, leaving Antonio alone. But he seems to accept his station in the plot -- in life. He almost seems to enjoy this pain, like some sort of emotional masochist. He even states this, calling himself the 'lame lamb of the flock, apt for death':ANTONIO:I am a tainted wether of the flock,Meetest for death. The weakest kind of fruitDrops earliest to the ground, and so let me;You cannot be better employed, Bassa...
