Trust is the bond that holds many relationships together. Without trust many relationships would not exist or be corrupted. With the whole society held together with trust, it is very important for people
to keep it. In the play, The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, it can be seen that reputation alone will not get you the trust of other people. A story that contains friendship bonded by trust and a deal between two merchants made without. The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare teaches us that trust is only earned by the hard work.
In the play, trust is a major issue among the different religions. The first impressions of the two character, Shylock and Antonio are that of a cat and a dog. They both despise each other whether it be because of religion or a bad history. During a the end of a deal for a loan, Shylock comes to a term, "If you don't repay me on such a day, at such a day, such sum or sums as are in the contract, let the forfeit be agreed for a full pound of your fair flesh" (1.3143/147). Antonio confidently accepts the bond for he has great faith in his merchant ships. In the real world, when a friend or a close one asks to bower money, it is often given out of trust that they will give it back. One does not ask for "interest" from those who is trusted. Even though Antonio has built a great reputation of being a good man, this is not enough for Shylock to trust him. Additionally, it is evident that there weren't much interaction between the two before because it is shown that Antonio did not like doing business with Shylock. Proving more the validity of the the theme. Next, we can see the close relationship between Bassanio and Antonio. Two great friends who have developed that relationship after series of hard work. As a result of this, their relationship is even known to the public. For example when Solanio and Salerio were talking to one another, "I think he means the world to him" (2.8.50). In this excerpt, we can see the evidence of trust that they have made. To love another as much as the world, this would have to take a lot of trust. Even in previous encounters of their trust. As a result, the trust between people will have to be gained by their experiences together with hard work.
Further along the play, you can see the trust issues even between people who are married. From knowing the love between Bassanio and Portia, it is odd that she, dressed as a lawyer, states , "And, in token of your love, I'll take this ring from you" (4.1.223). In resulting of Bassanio refusing at first but ends up giving it up. These actions were done so to test Bassanio's loyalty but also his trust. Portia was abruptly married to a stranger and this is the excuse for he insecurities. She wants to make sure she can trust him because he is her husband, however, she cannot trust him right away, because she barely knows anything about him. The only way he would get the trust is by proving to her that he is worthy. Thus, proving that trust comes trough hard work. Then, we get the same example from Nerissa, "I'll see if I can get my husband's ring - the one I made him swear to keep forever" (4.2.14/15). In this part, it is evident that Nerissa made Gratiano promise to keep the ring forever, both of Portia and Nerissa's marriages were pretty abrupt and this will cause trust issues. Thus saying that in order for their own wifes to trust them, they would need to prove themselves through hard work.
As a result, the play constantly reminds us that trust is not given. Even for Antonio whose, reputation is so well known, he will need a lot more than just a reputation to gain the trust of others and especially, those with different religions and believes. However, the rewards of that hard work will lead to be a strong relationship between the two people. Even when we are tested at times by those we did not fully convinced by our actions. Through these examples, we learn that we need to work hard to earn the trust of our peers.
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