My Impression of Antonio- Act 1

      Antonio comes out as a sober and sad character who is supposedly depressed without a reason. However, he is silent enough to be a gentleman. He is depicted as an extremely quiet and antisocial person, but is often shown to be kind and caring. Antonio has a father affection towards Bassanio. Evidence from the play suggests that Antonio may have been depressed since he found out that his very close friend fell in love with a woman; and Antonio may not have time to spend with his friend anymore. Another reason for his depression could be because he was worried about Bassanio since he was going to borrow money from Shylock and worried about Shylock's answer to his dear friend. However, at the beginning of the book, Salerio and Solanio suggest Antonio a reason for his depression could be that he was in love. He is scared to ask Shylock for money since Antonio abuses Shylock in public and harasses him, calls him a dog, and spits on his face. However, Shylock agrees to give Bassanio 3000 ducats, but if he doesn't return the money within three months; Antonio owes Shylock a pound of his flesh. In my opinion, Antonio is too proud and over confident as a character. He signed the bond between him and Shylock because he knows his ships will carry back three times the amount of the loan that Bassanio borrowed from Shylock, and therefore, Antonio didn't even break a sweat. One thing I like about him is his generosity. He is ready to die for his friend, Bassanio. Antonio never charges interest, and that is one reason Shylock dislikes Antonio very much. He is happy to help his friends, but he would never accept more than the original more. Antonio is rightfully depicted as a generious, proud, wealthy man, who is ready to do anything for his good friend: Bassanio.