The Cultural Exchange between Il Pecorone and The Merchant of Venice

The Cultural Exchange between Il Pecorone and The Merchant of Venice

Overview Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice is based on a story from Giovanni Fiorentino’s 14th-century Italian book Il Pecorone (‘The Dunce’), written in 1378. This tale tells the story of a wealthy woman who marries a young gentleman, and her husband borrows money from a Jewish moneylender to help his friend. Shakespeare adapted this story, featuring a similar plot with a Jewish moneylender named Shylock and a merchant named Antonio.

Context During the 14th century, Italy was undergoing significant cultural and economic changes. The Black Death, which devastated Europe in the mid-14th century, had a profound impact on Italian society. The plague led to increased social mobility, as people from lower classes rose through the ranks due to labor shortages. This changed the dynamics of relationships between merchants, nobles, and the emerging middle class.

Timeline

• 1378: Giovanni Fiorentino writes Il Pecorone, a collection of tales and anecdotes.
• Late 14th century: Shakespeare’s ancestors migrate from Italy to England, where they become part of the English gentry.
• Early 16th century: Shakespeare begins writing his plays, drawing inspiration from Italian literature and culture.
• 1596-1598: Shakespeare writes The Merchant of Venice, which is first performed in London.

Key Terms and Concepts

Merchant Capitalism

Merchant capitalism emerged during the 14th century, as trade and commerce expanded across Europe. Merchants like Antonio, who lends money to Bassanio, represent this new class of entrepreneurs. However, their creditworthiness was often uncertain, making lending to them a risk.

Usury

Usury refers to the practice of charging interest on loans. In many Christian societies, usury was considered immoral and was heavily regulated or prohibited by law. Shylock’s demand for a pound of flesh as security is an example of this practice.

Antisemitism

Antisemitic attitudes were prevalent in 14th-century Europe, with Jews often being portrayed as moneylenders or usurers. Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock, while complex and nuanced, reflects these societal attitudes.

Creditworthiness

Creditworthiness refers to the ability of an individual or business to repay debts on time. In The Merchant of Venice, Antonio’s creditworthiness is established through his reputation as a merchant, but it also creates tension when he agrees to take on debt.

Marriage and Finance

In the 14th century, marriage was often seen as a way for families to secure financial stability. The story of the wealthy woman who marries a young gentleman highlights this aspect of medieval society.

Cultural Exchange

The cultural exchange between Italy and England during Shakespeare’s time is marked by the adoption of Italian literary influences in English drama. Shakespeare’s use of Italian stories and characters reflects this exchange.

Key Figures and Groups

Giovanni Fiorentino

Fiorentino was an Italian author who wrote Il Pecorone, a collection of tales and anecdotes that influenced Shakespeare’s work. His stories reflect the societal attitudes and values of 14th-century Italy.

Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, the English playwright, drew inspiration from Italian literature and culture in his plays. He adapted the story from Il Pecorone to create The Merchant of Venice, a complex exploration of themes such as love, moneylending, and prejudice.

Antonio

Antonio is the merchant who lends money to Bassanio in Shakespeare’s play. His creditworthiness is established through his reputation, but it also creates tension when he agrees to take on debt.

Shylock

Shylock is the Jewish moneylender who demands a pound of flesh as security for the loan. His character reflects the societal attitudes towards Jews and moneylending during the 14th century.

Mechanisms and Processes

• → Lending money to merchants or their friends was seen as a high-risk activity, but also a necessary one for economic growth.
• → The concept of creditworthiness emerged during this time, with individuals like Antonio establishing their reputation through business dealings.
• → Antisemitic attitudes towards Jews and moneylending were prevalent in 14th-century Europe, influencing Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock.

Deep Background

The Medici Family, who ruled Florence from the 15th to the 16th century, played a significant role in shaping Italian culture during this time. Their patronage of artists and writers helped spread Italian literature across Europe, influencing works like Il Pecorone.

Explanation and Importance Shakespeare’s play is an adaptation of a story that reflects the societal attitudes and values of 14th-century Italy. The themes of love, moneylending, and prejudice are timeless and universal, making this story relevant to audiences today. By exploring these complex issues, Shakespeare provides insight into the cultural exchange between Italy and England during his time.

Comparative Insight

A similar example of cultural exchange can be seen in The Decameron, a collection of stories written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century. This work reflects the societal attitudes towards women, marriage, and finance during this time period. By comparing these two works, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural influences that shaped Shakespeare’s play.

Extended Analysis

The Role of Creditworthiness

In The Merchant of Venice, creditworthiness is established through Antonio’s reputation as a merchant. However, this also creates tension when he agrees to take on debt.

Antisemitism and Shylock

Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock reflects the societal attitudes towards Jews and moneylending during the 14th century. This complex character highlights the nuances of prejudice and its impact on individuals.

Cultural Exchange between Italy and England

The cultural exchange between Italy and England during Shakespeare’s time is marked by the adoption of Italian literary influences in English drama. Shakespeare’s use of Italian stories and characters reflects this exchange, providing a unique insight into the societal attitudes and values of both cultures.

Open Thinking Questions

• How does The Merchant of Venice reflect the societal attitudes towards Jews and moneylending during the 14th century? • What role did cultural exchange play in shaping Shakespeare’s work, and how did it influence his portrayal of characters like Shylock and Antonio? • In what ways do the themes of love, moneylending, and prejudice remain relevant to audiences today?

Conclusion Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, based on a story from Giovanni Fiorentino’s Il Pecorone, provides a unique insight into the cultural exchange between Italy and England during his time. The play reflects the societal attitudes towards Jews and moneylending, as well as the importance of creditworthiness in medieval society. By exploring these complex issues, Shakespeare provides a timeless commentary on human nature and the universal themes that connect us all.