"The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare is a play written between 1596 and 1598. When a Venetian merchant defaults on a loan from Jewish moneylender Shylock, who demands a pound of flesh as payment, fatal consequences loom. Though classified as a comedy, the play is best remembered for its dramatic scenes and Shylock's character. It features famous speeches on humanity and mercy, while sparking ongoing debate about whether the work is antisemitic in its portrayal of discrimination and justice.