<p>The Merchant of Venice, centers on the vengeful moneylender Shylock trying to exact a-figurative and literal-pound of flesh from the wealthy merchant Antonio, who borrows money from him for his friend Bassanio. The latter needs it to court the rich heiress Portia. The play&#39;s famous document is brought about when Portia, disguised as a lawyer, successfully defends Antonio from Shylock&#39;s vicious legal suit.</p>