Essay Classifying The Merchant Of Venice

NameInstructorCourse DateClassification of the Merchant of VeniceThe Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s plays that is difficult when it comes to its classification. This is because it defies most of the rules of classification. The debate on whether the play is a comedy or a tragedy has been going on for a long time. The play contains both comic and tragedy elements that have fueled the debate. When it was first written in the 1590s, the play was classified under the genre comedy due to it fairytale ending. However, over time due to its dramatic scenes it has been seen as a tragedy rather than a comedy. I believe this play should be classified as a comedy. For a play to be classified as a comedy, it should have a happy ending for the main characters. For instance, in the Merchant of Venice, there are multiple happy endings. It had become almost impossible for Portia to marry, but she can marry Bassanio the only man who had caught her eye. Bassanio can choose the right casket and marry Portia. In (2.1.15-18) “…Besides, the lott'ry of my destiny; Bars me the right of voluntary choosing; But