The Merchant of Venice Graphic Novel

by Saddleback Educational Publishing

Hi-Lo, graphic novels, illustrated, Shakespeare, classics. Although Bassanio owes his friend Antonio a great deal of money, he must borrow more to make a good impression when he courts his true love, Portia. However, Antonio is short of cash and must borrow from the lender, Shylock. More problems arise when Antonio's ships are wrecked, leaving him penniless when Shylock's loan is due. Bassanio must now find a way to save his friend's life, but help is on the way from an unexpected source! This series features classic Shakespeare retold with graphic color illustrations. Educators using the Dale-Chall vocabulary system adapted each title. Each 64-page book retains key phrases and quotations from the original play. Research shows that the more students read, the better their vocabulary, their ability to read, and their knowledge of the world.

Genres: Plays, Classics

64 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Amy Lyke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first graphic novel. It will take some adjusting. I felt as though I was missing pieces, but that’s inevitable when you read a shortened version.

[Ryan Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Put this as close to five stars as possible...I will say that it is pregnant with arguably my favorite Shakespearean dialogue (although Mercutio is tough to beat).

2 Things top this from getting the full 5- 1) is it possible to say that it is a cheeky ending? This is Shakespeare! No spoilers here, but I felt that the ending scene was seemingly dissonant and unworthy of the preceding 4 acts of this play, and leave it at that. 2) Anti-Semitism is pervasive. To understand this within the cultural/sociological context at the turn of the 17th century (Judaism was literally absent in Elizabethan England- Shakespeare might have truly believed that practicers of Judaism were inherently evil...) gives clarity, but does not condone. Although the Christian/Jewish tension serves the purpose of the plot and the thematic thread, it is nonetheless offensive. I found myself hoping Jewish adherents do ot believe that Christians see them that way, and recommitted myself to making sure that I am not contributing to the sentiment present in this otherwise masterful play.

Let me say again, without getting at all into the plot, that I LOVED this play. You should read it in a few hours...one or two sittings... that is the way to read it. I have loved Shakespeare for twenty years, and found myself marveling at the literary genius as if for the first time. Enjoy.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play is one of the most captivating play since the plot is like no other. It is about a man who needs money to make a woman fall in love with him. So he borrows money from his best friend's enemy who is a moneylender. However he borrows it on his best friends credit so when he is unable to pay back his best friend has to pay the consequences. It is filled with moments of humor which makes it an even better play.

[Michael P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical Pocket Classics illustrated edition of Shakespeare, here shown in the color Saddleback edition, cleaned up and polished for children. The play is considered to be offensive by many, and many readings/productions of it make the Christians just as offensive in an attempt to balance this. This is not the approach used here, so the anti-Semitism is trimmed, but still part of the story.