A Strong Friendship

From the introduction of their friendship, it is clear that Antonio and Bassanio have a strong bond that runs deeper than a typical relationship. The two men love and care for each other and the question of one-sided homosexuality arises as the play progresses. It is clear that Bassanio is not attracted to Antonio in a homosexual way because he is on a quest to win Portia's heart, although it can be argued that Antonio is attracted to his best friend. The merchant risks his own life in order to obtain funding for Bassanio's trip to Belmont, he makes a deal with his enemy in order to give his friend what he needs, and all Antonio requests before he is killed is to see Bassanio. It isn't rational for Antonio to risk his life in order to help is friend, and a logical conclusion is that he has homosexual feelings for Bassanio. It is easy to make this assumption, but it is important to remember that Antonio is a strong believing Christian with a sense of morality. His generosity towards Bassanio can be connected back to his religion, rather than homosexuality.

When Bassanio comes to Antonio requesting a loan, it is not the first time the merchant has lent a helping hand. It seems as though Bassanio has never had success with his finances: "'Tis not unknown [...] how much I have disabled mine estate, by something showing a more swelling port than my faint means would grant continue" (I.i.122-125). Bassanio has built up his debt with many people, including Antonio, and needs a way to pay back what he has borrowed. When he presents his proposition to Antonio, Bassanio comes across as desperate. He tries to make Antonio feel sorry for him, so he will get the money he needs to journey to Belmont and marry Portia. Antonio is not extremely hesitant when offering Bassanio whatever he needs, but some persuasion is required. Although Antonio does not have the money to loan to Bassanio, he offers to help his friend because it is the morally correct thing to do. Christianity has taught the merchant to be charitable throughout his lifetime in order to have a satisfying afterlife. Bassanio appears desperate for money, so Antonio choses to do the right thing and help his best friend.

Since Antonio has invested everything he has into his ships, he is forced to go elsewhere to get a loan for Bassanio. The merchant makes a deal with Shylock, the Jewish usurer in order to obtain the necessary funding. Shylock and Antonio share a mutual hate for one another, so naturally their agreement is somewhat atypical. The usurer agrees to loan Antonio three thousand ducats without interest on the condition that if the loan is not repaid, Shylock receives one pound of Antonio's flesh. It does not make sense for Antonio to make such a barbaric agreement, where his life is at stake, but his friend is in need and he is willing to make sacrifices for Bassanio. Granted, sacrificing his life is extreme, but Antonio fully expects to be able to pay back his debt to Shylock. The merchant never expects all of his ships to sink, and so his agreement with Shylock does not seem as insane. Antonio does not risk his life because he is in love with Bassanio, he just wants to help his friend.