Merchant of venice;act1 scene1 question:the play begins in an atmosphere

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Merchant of venice;act1 scene1
**question:**the play begins in an atmosphere of melancholy. Why do you think Antonio is presented as a melancholic and passive character?

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Antonio is presented as a melancholic and passive character because:

  1. Antonio as a whimsical person not bothered about the consequences of his actions, justifies his signing the bond agreement.
  2. Antonio’s melancholy sets the tone for the play.
  3. Antonio’s melancholy creates a mystery for the audience.