Unit19,William Shakespeare(1564-1616,William Shakespeare(1564-1616) first came to notice in 1599 as a playwright in London. In 1599 he became a part owner of the Globe Theatre in London and finally retired to his birthplace Stratford-on-Avon, in 1613. As a playwright he wrote tragedies, comedies and historical plays, and as a poet he wrote narrative poems(叙事诗） and sonnets. His famous plays include Hamlet, Twelfth Night, Alls Well Thats Ends well, King Lear, Macbeth, Henry VIII, Romeo and Juliet,The Merchant of Venice,Introduction of the characters in the play,Antonio,A Venetian merchant of huge wealth. He makes his money from trade,much liked by his friends. He is always ready to help others,Introduction of the characters in the play,Shylock,A successful Jewish moneylender. He lends the 3,000 ducats to Antonio.He asks Antonio to pay with one pound of his flesh if the debt is not repaid on time,Introduction of the characters in the play,Bassanio,The romantic lead of this play.He is Antonios friend. He marries Portia.He borrows a lot of money from Antonio,Introduction of the characters in the play,Portia,The heroine of this play.Portia is a wealthy and beautiful woman who is desired by many men. She also possesses a sharp mind,which saves Antonio from doom at the hands of Shylock,Introduction of the characters in the play,The Duke Of Venice,As judge over the court case between Shylock and Antonia,he has the power to pardon a death sentence.In the play,he is put in a difficult position by Shylock;he doesnt want Antonio to die,but to ignore Shylocks legal rights would be to place all of Venice in disrepute as a place to conduct business,Introduction of the characters in the play,Duke,Antonio,Shylock,Bassanio,Portia,merchant,money- Lender,enemies,husband what s more, what Shylock does is not reasonable,Im very sincere and grateful to pay you back all the money. Ill pay you back by giving all my life,2) How does Portia help to save Antonio? Why does she do so,3) What are the two meanings of “Ill pay him back with all my heart ”,Rewrite the play,Homework