"The Merchant of Venice" is a play by William Shakespeare that explores themes of mercy, justice, and prejudice. The story revolves around Antonio, a merchant in Venice, who borrows money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, to help his friend Bassanio court Portia, a wealthy heiress. When Antonio cannot repay the loan, Shylock demands a pound of his flesh as payment. As the plot unfolds, Portia disguises herself as a lawyer to defend Antonio in court. The play raises questions about the nature of justice and mercy, ultimately leading to a dramatic resolution that impacts all the characters involved.