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.

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