THE CONCEPT OF "JUSTICE" IN "THE MERCHANT OF VENICE" BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

The Merchant of Venice’ by William Shakespeare is a famous drama written at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. The play stands out for its complex plot and the relationships between its characters. The main characters include Antonio, Bassanio, Portia, Shylock, and Jessica. The play explores two main themes: on one hand, it examines legal matters and court proceedings, and on the other, it focuses on human emotions and social justice. In this way, it is valued as a perfect combination of dramatic art and social analysis. The play also depicts the social and economic life of Venice, showing different social classes and their legal situations. For example, the relationships between Venetian merchants and Jewish moneylenders, as well as the connection between personal loyalty and friendship with social values, are clearly illustrated. Through this, Shakespeare helps the reader understand both personal and societal justice in a deeper way.