The Merchant of Venice

The merchant of Venice, which is one of Shakespeare's finest comedies, has always been a favourite play among all classes of readers. Its theme, plot, character and language fascinate the readers right from its own time that most of the learners at the school level would have evinced a keen interest in reading either the excerpts from the play or the retold version of it. Therefore, to benefit those who seek a comprehensive view, the play is abridged and prescribed at the collegiate level. It is abridged in the sense that a few literary allusions and circumlocutory expressions and details, that are essential for mastering Shakespearean dramaturgy are deleted as the target learners at the Part II levels, need to concentrate only on functional English. The editor hopes that many a face will blaze with joy on reading the abridged version of The Merchant of Venice.