The Merchant of Venice (Folger Shakespeare Library)

William Shakespeare

Cover of The Merchant of Venice (Folger Shakespeare Library)

The Merchant of Venice (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by William Shakespeare

Reading Level 9 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 9th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

A daring quest for love unfolds as Bassanio must solve a puzzling test to win Portia’s hand, while the cunning moneylender Shylock demands justice that challenges mercy and prejudice. This timeless tale explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the complexity of human nature, featuring unforgettable moments like Portia’s clever courtroom disguise. Shakespeare’s powerful characters invite readers to reflect on fairness, identity, and compassion.

Themes

Classic FictionPerforming ArtsFriendshipFamilyJusticeIdentity & Self-DiscoverySocial Justice

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 9 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include emotional: identity & self-discovery, emotional: prejudice & discrimination, emotional: justice & mercy. Written for readers ages 13+.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery Emotional: Prejudice & Discrimination Emotional: Justice & Mercy Social: Racial Discrimination
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
8
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
10
World Scope
10
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

288 pages
ISBN
9780743477567
Pages
288
Publisher
Simon & Schuster
Published
January 1, 2004
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Classic FictionPerforming ArtsPerforming Arts/DancePlaysDramaLiterature: ClassicsShakespeareClassicsJewsMoneylendersShylockEnglish LiteratureHistory and CriticismProblemsExercisesCriticism and InterpretationSourcesBibliographyPromptbooksEnglish Young Adult DramaQuartosOutlinesSyllabiStudy GuidesExaminationsJews in LiteratureEnglish DramaDrama in English ShakespeareWilliamTextsEnglish Literature: Shakespeare CriticismEnglish Literature: Shakespeare TextsLiterary CriticismFor National Curriculum Key Stage 3VeniceConcordancesVeneciaPrestamistasTeatroJudíosNonfictionBritish and Irish DramaShakespeare, William, 1564-1616, Merchant of Venice1564-1616Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616, AdaptationsMerchant of VeniceEducationEnglish Literature, Study and TeachingShakespeare, William, 1564-1616, Criticism and InterpretationEnglish Literature, Outlines, Syllabi, EtcShakespeare, William, 1564-1616, Outlines, Syllabi, EtcOutlines, SyllabiProblems, ExercisesDramatic ProductionStage HistoryComediesHumorous PlaysStudy and TeachingSecondary EducationShakespeare, William, 1564-1616CriticismJewish MerchantsShakespeare, William, 1564-1616, Study and TeachingMathematics, Study and TeachingShakespeare, William, 1564-1616, Criticism, TextualEnglish Literature, History and Criticism, Early Modern, 1500-1700TheaterProduction and DirectionStage ManagementThéâtreProduction Et Mise En ScèneRégieEnglish Drama, History and CriticismMerchantsIn LiteratureComedyPortiaShakespeare, William , 1564-1616Moneylenders--dramaJews--italy--venice--dramaShylock--dramaPr2825.a2 D75 2010822.33214468Jewish BusinesspeopleDealsAvariceRace RelationsJews--Italy--DramaVenice--Drama

People

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)Shylock (Fictitious character)

Places

Venice (Italy)ItalyVeniceItaliaVenecia