The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's comedies. Bassanio, a penniless Venetian noble asks his friend to borrow money to impress a heiress named Portia. His friend's money is tied up so the friend gets the money from a moneylender. The conditions of the loan are, if it isn't paid back then Antonio will have to pay him back with his flesh. He is unable to pay the loan back. Portia disguises herself as a man to defend Antonio in court. This leads to unexpected consequences.