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What is the interdependence of the narrative of the bond and the pound of flesh with that of the caskets in The Merchant of Venice? (In the...

Although Antonio is the titular character, the drama of The Merchant of Venice centers around Portia with the wonderful story of the caskets, her keen insight, her cleverness and devotion.


The play does open with Antonio, who is beloved and admired for his good deeds. However, he suffers from a certain melancholy that portends events to come. Soon, Bassanio comes to him and tells him of his desire to have the lovely Portia for his wife. But, he needs money in order to compete with rivals who are princes and other wealthy men. Antonio, who loves his friend, tells Bassanio that presently he has invested all his money in his mercantile venture, but he will borrow some for him and "Try what my credit in Venice can do" (1.1.180). So, Antonio goes to Shylock, whom he knows is avaricious and will loan him the money because he can make interest on this loan. 
When Antonio talks with Shylock, the usurer is quick to point out Antonio's past insults and prejudices; nevertheless, he lends Antonio three thousand ducats with the condition that if Antonio fails to repay the debt, Shylock can collect a pound of Antonio's flesh.


After Bassanio obtains the money Antonio has borrowed from Shylock, he goes to Portia's house to take the challenge of the caskets. Some of the suitors have declined shortly after their arrivals because they have learned that they must pledge to never marry if they do not select the correct casket that gives the father's permission to marry Portia (her portrait lies in one). Each casket has an inscription. The gold one reads, “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire” (2.7..37); the silver one reads, “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves” (2.7..23); and the lead casket reads, “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath” (2.7.16).


Strongly attracted to Bassanio, Portia tries to get him to delay his choice for a couple of days so they can at least have some time together even if he loses, but he insists on making his selection. So, she gives him hints, telling him to not overlook her--"Beshrew your eyes, they have o'erlooked me" (lines 3.2. 14-15). Then, she tells Bassanio,



I am locked in one of them. If you do love me, you will find me out" (3.2. 40-41).



While Bassanio tries to decide as he stands before these caskets, Portia sings a few subtle hints.



Tell me where is fancy bred,
Or in the heart or in the head?...
It is engendered in the eyes
With gazing fed, and fancy dies" (3.2. 63-64, 67-68)



Then, Bassanio chooses the lead casket that contains the portrait of Portia. However, their marriage celebration is interrupted because Bassanio learns that Antonio has lost his ships and now has no money with which to repay his debt to Shylock. After he rushes off, Portia disguises herself as a doctor of law, the legal expert for whom the Duke of Venice has sent; she hopes to intervene on behalf of Antonio, Bassanio's dear friend.
When all pleas to Shylock to be merciful fail, Portia reads the contract and declares that Shylock is within his legal rights; however, in taking a pound of flesh, Shylock cannot spill any blood which is not mentioned in the contract. Since Shylock is not entitled to Antonio's blood, he is defeated. In fact, he is charged with conspiring against the life of a citizen of Venice, and he has to relinquish half of his wealth and convert to Christianity. 
All ends well for Antonio, who gets part of Shylock's wealth, and Bassanio and Portia are reunited. 

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