<P> The Merchant of Venice is a 16th - century play by William Shakespeare in which a merchant in Venice must default on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender . It is believed to have been written between 1596 and 1599 . Though classified as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare 's other romantic comedies , the play is most remembered for its dramatic scenes , and it is best known for Shylock and the famous `` Hath not a Jew eyes ? '' speech on humanity . Also notable is Portia 's speech about `` the quality of mercy '' . Critic Harold Bloom listed it among Shakespeare 's great comedies . </P>
<P> The Merchant of Venice is a 16th - century play by William Shakespeare in which a merchant in Venice must default on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender . It is believed to have been written between 1596 and 1599 . Though classified as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare 's other romantic comedies , the play is most remembered for its dramatic scenes , and it is best known for Shylock and the famous `` Hath not a Jew eyes ? '' speech on humanity . Also notable is Portia 's speech about `` the quality of mercy '' . Critic Harold Bloom listed it among Shakespeare 's great comedies . </P>
where did the merchant of venice take place
where did the merchant of venice take place
Venice
Venice