CONCLUSION
As we have
seen, our goal has been to compare friendship of two pairs of characters, one
dealing with Antonio and Sebastian from Twelfth
Night; and the other, Antonio and Sebastian from the Merchant of Venice.
At first glance, the
relationship of these characters seems to be a relationship based on friendship
(gratitude, lending something without expecting anything in exchange, and so
on), and at the same time we can know what they expect from this type of relationship.
But through the plot and after analysing these characters and their statements,
we have realised that it is not only that, i.e, there are some stronger
feelings.
Both Antonio are fond of
their close friends (in this case Bassanio and Sebastian); as we can see
Shakespeare uses the same name for the character who
is fond of another. They try to take care of them, to help them in all what
they need; and, at the same time, they seem to expect from them help as they
needed it too or sometimes gratitude. But, on the other hand, we have found
different opinions, especially in relation to Bassinio’s ‘feelings’. Some think
that he behaves as what we would consider a friend, but others say that he is
only interested in Antonio’s money. We also find a debate about Antonio (MV), some
critics think that he is too possessive, whereas others argue that he wants
Bassanio’s happiness. As we can observe, the relationship between Antonio and
Sebastian in Twelfth Night does not
set up so many different opinions. It seems to be that most experts agree that
that relationship is more balanced, i.e, there is not self-interest (in Antonio
and not in Sebastian).
Finally, we should point
out that none of the Antonio can reach their love. First because Sebastian
marries Olivia and Bassanio Portia; and secondly because a sexual attraction
between people of the same gender was not possible because of social laws and
it was punished with death.