Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-06-18
Character Sketch of Antonio.
BY M. BETH FIROR.

The comedy IN Wnlcn tne cnaIaCteI VI
Antonio appears was written about 1915 DUR
ing the first period-or as some writers say
I'm the Workshop" period-of Shakspere's
career az an author and as has been already
stated at former meetings stands midway
between the early and the later comedies.
Although the play bears the name of the
wealthy merchant Antonio, yet he is not the
chief dramatic person but rather one of those
organisms that attract as subtlely and quietly
as the magnet Nevertheless his character
is firmly and clearly conceived and our in.
tercst in him deepcns with every scene,
SHAKESPEARE brings Antonio on the stage of
action rs sad and troubled man but does
not reveal the cause of his dependency. We
Judge that this was not an habitual condition
of mind, for his friend Satanic is unable
to understand it and strives to cheer him.
When his dearest friend Bassanio appears,
Antonio dismisses the others with the case
and grace of courtler. Owing to his great
wealth he had the opportunity to cultivate
this suave, urbane manner which meyer fails
TO please. and even now after the lapse OF
centuries we succeed best if we smooth every
ones feathers the right way.
In replying to Gratiano we find Antonio
expressing cynical philosophy ofllfe sayor-
ing OF pcsslmism, bu 50 gracious and win
ming is his manner that Gratiano is led to
exclalm, II tell thee what, Antonin-l love
thee and it is my love that speaks"
Another char acter;stic of Antonio is direct.
ness and concseness. He uses but few
words and seems to desire his friends TO
pursue the same course when conycrsing
with him for be kindly but urgently requests
Bassanio not to waste time with words but
to tell him directly what favor is desired of
him and it will be granted Immediately,
Just in this same connection he shows that
unquestoning trust in Bassano which is
the basis of true friendship.
When Antonio, to meet The emergency of
his friend, DIVORCES from his high-prnclpled
business method of neither asking or giving
usury and goes to Shylock, whose methods
are so opposite and distasteful to him, he
does not cringe and bow in mock servllity
but in manly and straightforward manner
condemns what he thinks wrong and gives
his reason for pursuing his present course.
And though Shylock piously quotes Scrip
ture. Antonio is able to detect the vilainy
and falschood beneath the vencering ofpiely
and tells the Jew to his teeth that he bears
no friendship for him which is in direct OPP
position to Shylocks protestations Of friend
ship and coveted love, hut the willy money
lender at last succeeds in causing Antonio to
think he is about TO turn Christian.
We get another insight to the character of
Antonio by noting how ii wrung his heart
to part with Bassanio when he went to WOO
Porta yet he offered no lament for himself
but urged Bassanio to enjoy his courtship.
The ability to put self in the background and
rare grace and one that cannot be too highly
recommended. 1t is beautifully delineated in
in the latter half of act 2, scene 8.
The reported loss of Antonlo's ships
Cduecs uls lilcHue uuCu oolIoW UuV ~ oioo
serves to show us how tender is their regard
for him, for Salvanio excaims; "The honest
Antonio--O, that had title good enough
to keep his name company and it also
proves to US the loyable character ofAntonio.
This devoted affection serves to make even
more lurid the background of Shylock's
unjnstified hate and malicious desire for re-
venge.
We have noticed the sincere love of Anto
MOS friends for him and also his willingness
to make any sacrifice to further their inter-
ests and now upon receipt of Antonio's letter
we are privileged to hear Bassanio relate to
Portia the existing circumstances concerning
-