Merchant of Venice I

In Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, the protagonist, Antonio shares a two-fold relationship with Bassanio. Antonio's relation with Bassanio is rather extreme, to the point where it seems he is in love with Bassanio. Antonio, a merchant of venice, is a wealthy man, his friend Bassanio comes to him one day and asks him for money to visit a women that he wishes to court, Portia. Antonio, asks immediately of Portia, "Well, tell me now what lady is the same/ to whom you swore a secret pilgrimmage,/ that you today promsed to tell me of." (1.1 126-129). He asks because it is apparent that he takes a liking to Bassanio, and becomes dissapointed when he hears that Bassanio wants to court her, because that means he wont be able to be with Bassanio. Despite his desire for love with Bassanio, being contrary to Bassanio's wishes, he agrees and promises that he would lend him money to make a pilgrimmage to Portia, but his money is currently involved with his business and he can't lend any of it just yet. Bassanio, doesn't show and love for Antonio, but does demonstrate a friendship with him, in both his actions and his speech. He went to Antonio of all people to ask for a loan, which implies he has a good relation with him. He shares his love for Portia with Antonio, among other things he speaks with him about. Antonio and Bassanio are both friends yet Antonia has a love, and desire to be with Bassanio, whereas Bassanio just likes Antonio as a friend to go to for help, and advice, pertaining to his life.