In the play "The Merchant of Venice" a strong rivalry is revealed between Antonio and Shylock. Antonio's portrayed as the good man, a loyal and honest Christian compared to Shylock who is portrayed as the villain. He is perceived as a cunning and deceitful Jew who is hated by everyone in the play and by the audience. Antonio bullied Shylock, spitting on his Jewish gabardine, calling him a dog and in general being abusive towards him because he was a Jew. "You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, and spit on my Jewish gabardine..." Act 1 Sc 3.Shylock understandably has never forgiven Antonio and is very bitter and spiteful towards him. Antonio lends people money without charging interest which is destroying Shylocks income because he charges high amounts of interest on loans. Antonio asks Shylock if he could borrow some money for his companion, Bassanio. After...