The Relationship Between Antonio and Bassanio – a Controversy

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The colloquial term “bromance,” a portmanteau of the words “brother” and “romance” is used to describe a close but non-sexual relationship between two men – a homosocial intimacy. A famous historical example of such a relationship would be the one between Antonio and Bassanio in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Antonio is well known for spoiling and putting his life on the line for Bassanio, his long-time best friend. However, the favours that Antonio does for him and his constant talk of him imply that Antonio might be in love with Bassanio. Although male friendships in the Elizabethan times were significantly intimate, Shakespeare subtly hints that the connection between Antonio and Bassanio is deeper than what meets the eye. In the beginning of the play, Bassanio approaches Antonio for money in order to woo Portia, an heiress from Venice. Bassanio is normally wealthy and is of a noble house. Unfortunately, he spends his money impulsively and ultimately ends up broke. Although Antonio himself is short of money, he helps Bassanio with his financial crisis anyway, saying to him, Within the eye of honour, be assured. My purse, my person, my extremest means, Lie all unlock’d to your occasions. (1.1.139-141)
Antonio says that he will do anything for Bassanio, which shows that they have an intimate friendship. Bassanio goes off to meet with Shylock, who lends him three thousand ducats. Antonio serves as the guarantor and a contract is created stating that if Antonio fails to repay the loan with interest in three months, Shylock shall have one pound of Antonio’s flesh. Antonio, feeling confident, accepts the bond. This is clearly an extra mile in doing anything for Bassanio, which presumably any other best friend, regardless of gender or level of intimacy, would lack the bravery to do. It has been argued that the reason why Antonio would join
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