Love and Wealth 
 Many works of literature deal with conflicts 
between love and money.In The Merchant of 
Venice Shakespeare takes a more unusual 
approach to this subject, treating love as just 
another form of wealth.Shylock, in contrast, is a miser who 
hoards both his gold and his love and loses his 
daughter and his riches simultaneously.On the other hand, those who 
are too possessive, too greedy, will get pleasure 
neither from the pursuit of romantic love nor from 
the accumulation of wealth.Not only do Antonio's ships come in at 
the end of the play, but Bassanio's fortunate 
marriage enriches Antonio as well, bringing him 
Portia's loyalty and friendship.Bassanio sets out to 
win Portia's love, solving his money problems at 
the same time.