MERCHANT OF VENICE FINAL

“The self-indulgent man craves for all pleasant things... and is led by his appetite to choose these at the cost of everything else.” A quote from Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics philosophizes the cause and effects of unenlightened self interest. William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice discloses many major themes like race, friendship, love, judgement and justice. The plot revolves around a Venetian merchant who fails to repay a loan to a hated moneylender. The play's story significantly signifies how bad self indulgence makes a person look in our society.

He approaches his friend Antonio, a merchant and shares about his plan to woo Portia, the girl of his dreams. "In Belmont there is a rich heiress. She is beautiful. And whats better, she has wonderful qualities. She has shown by her looks that she favors me. She is called Portia no way inferior to Cato's daughter, Portia, the one who married Brutus. Not that the world at large is ignorant of her worthiness. Famous suitors come from the four corners of the earth. Her fair hair is golden fleece that attracts many Jasons to the Belmont shore. Oh, Antonio - I feel convinced I'd be successful if only I had the money to make myself a rival!" Bassanio's goal is obviously love. Being caught up with his plans, he doesn't realize how much trouble Antonio would be in for helping him out with his marriage.
"Oh sweet Portia! Here are some of the most unpleasant words that ever bottled paper. Gentle last, when I first revealed my love for you, i freely told you all the wealth I owed was in my veins. I was a gentleman, and told you the truth. And yet, dear lady, in rating myself at 0, you will see how boastful I was. When I told you I had nothing, I should have added I was worse than nothing. Actually, I am indebted to a dear friend, and to swell my funds I've made my friend indebted to his worst enemy. Here is a letter, lady. The paper represents the body of my friend, and every word written in it a gaping wound, leaking lifeblood. It id true, Salerio? Have all his investments failed? Not one success? From Tripoli, Mexico, and England from Lisban, Barbary and India? And not one vessel has survived the fearful tough of shipwrecking rocks?" Individual intentions may benefit us, but it may also affect others around us. Before this, Antonio negotiated a loan with a Jewish money lender, Shylock, who hates Antonio because of Antonio’s racist behavior towards him. Antonio's careless financial judgement lead to an unfortunate encounter.

Goals could be intended either good or bad.
"To bait fish with! If it will feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge. He has disgraced me, and hindered me  half a million times. He has laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nationality, obstructed my deals, alienated my friends, incensed my enemies. And his reason I am Jew. Hasn't a Jew got eyes, hasn't a Jew got hands, organs, limbs, senses, affections, passions? Isn't he fed the same foods? hurt by the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooked by the winter and summer, as a christian is if you prick us do we not bleed, if you tickle us do we not laugh if you poison us do we not die, and if you do wrong to us shall we not seek revenge if a Jew wrongs a Christian what is his natural response revenge if a Christian wrongs a Jew what should his penalty be by Christian example why revenge! The villainy you teach me I will carry out and I will go one better given half the chance." All anyone wants in this world is justice. Throughout history, the goal has always been equality, and in honesty it is still something being fought for. For example, many states are passing gay marriage, but a few aren't which is  causing many protests and bill initiatives. 
"What judgement should I dread, having done wrong? There are those among you who have purchased slaves. Like your asses, your dogs and your mules, you use there for wretched and servile  jobs, because you bought them. Shall I say to you: " let them go free. marry them to your heirs, why do they sweat carrying burdens? Let their beds be as soft as yours and their food be as choice? You will reply: "The slaves and our " I answer you likewise. The pound of flesh which I demand from his was expensive to pay. It's mine, and I will have it! If you deny it to me, I scorn your laws! The decrees of Venice have no force! I insist on justice. Answer; shall I have it?" Revenge is  a big part  in greed. A man who seeks only revenge towards his enemies will only live unhappy because  of the stretch they're willing to go through. What motivated Shylock to get his bond was the years of constant racist treatment.
Drawing to a close, The Merchant of Venice's subject matter was self interest. The two scenarios given above were examples of greed; love and revenge. Bassanio's dream girl and Shylock's vengeance. Because Antonio loved Bassanio, he unwillingly took a risk for him. He took responsibility for Bassanios debt which forced others not involved to help resolve the situation. Weather its a good/bad intention or a short/long term purpose, there's always its pros and  cons.  The texual evidence show that a desire in something for ourself could majorly change your relationships and your reputation. Self interest is good, but it can be beneficial for everyone including yourself if bad then selfishness. The moral is that all actions come along with consequences and responsibilities.