Merchant of Venice was a book on my to read list for a while but I just never really gave it much thought, until I did. As far as Shakespeare's plays go I would say that is on the same ground as a Winter's Tale. It has the same feeling while reading it; it's not drama nor comedy -- you read it because is Shakespeare and you think ah well, but in they end is just like popcorn you forget about it the moment it is finished. So this is what this play was popcorn. I loved Portia's character, she had so much potential and is one of Shakespeare's wittiest female protagonists. Her final speech was gold. Finally, I find that Portia in the end accepted Bassanio with his faults (e.g. broke his promise) and if she could say one thing, it would be Boys will be Boys.
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 wrong us shall we not revenge?
Surprisingly this quote came from Shylock but I believe it has such a special meaning!