The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 17.0235 Tuesday, 28 March 2006
From: Todd Pettigrew <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 27 Mar 2006 12:37:01 -0400
Subject: 17.0228 "hindered me a million"
Comment: RE: SHK 17.0228 "hindered me a million"
I wrote:
>>"But recall that Antonio's entire net worth is
>>something like 27,000 ducats."
which prompted Perng Ching-Hsi to ask:
>I wonder how that sum is reached.
I calculate as follows:
Antonio says his "fortunes are at sea" (1.1.177).
Antonio borrows 3000 ducats from Shylock.
Antonio assures Bassanio that when his ships come in he will see a
return of "thrice three times" the value of the bond (1.3.157-58).
Thus, 3000 x 3 x 3 = 27000.
This assumes that Antonio is counting on ALL his ships to come back
before the bond is due, which I think is implied when Antonio says "my
ships come home a month before the day" (1.3.180) and other times later
in the play.
_______________________________________________________________
S H A K S P E R: The Global Shakespeare Discussion List
Hardy M. Cook, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The S H A K S P E R Web Site <http://www.shaksper.net>
DISCLAIMER: Although SHAKSPER is a moderated discussion list, the
opinions expressed on it are the sole property of the poster, and the
editor assumes no responsibility for them.