Regarding the title of the play there are different controversies. The first controversy is who is the real merchant-Shylock or Antonio. Some critics say that Shylock is the real merchant. He is the most dominant figure in the play and the chief source of interest in the play. So Shakespeare must have had Shylock in his mind. The critics of Shylock’ favour say that Antonio is a passive, colourless personality, who ** mostly in the background.
When we read the drama carefully we come to know that Antonio is the real merchant of Venice. He is referred to again and again as the ‘Royal merchant and good Antonio’, and in the trial scene—Portia pointedly asks, ‘Which is the merchant and which is the **’. In the very opening scene also we are told of Antonio’ wealth, of his rich ventures, etc. tossing on the ocean. He is presented as a rich merchant, with a world wide trade. Shylock, on the other hand, is never referred to as a merchant but is sketched as a usurer, a cruel money lender. Thus Antonio is the real merchant of Venice and play has been rightly named after him.
More over Antonio is the character, whose story and fortunes form the very basis of the plot of drama. Antonio may not be dominant and assertive like Shylock but he is noble in friendship, and so much generous that he risks his life for the sake of his friend. Thus when we consider all things, Antonio is really the Merchant of Venice and the play has been rightly named after him.
