In The Merchant of Venice, the path to marriage is hazardous. To win Portia, Bassanio must pass a test prescribed by her father's will, choosing correctly among three caskets or chests. If he fails, he may never marry at all. Bassanio and Portia also face a magnificent villain, the moneylender Shylock. In creating Shylock, Shakespeare seems to have shared in a widespread prejudice against Jews. Shylock would have been regarded as a villain...
With last year's publication of Midnight Sun and Netflix's recent release of the Twilight movies, the popularity of the Twilight Saga is resurging. Here are seven fun facts about the books and movies that may surprise you.
We can't go to any actual beer fests this year, but we can imagine the ideal scene. And, of course, it would be filled with some of our favorite beer-loving authors from history. While we're at it, let’s throw in a few of their iconic characters. Join us on fantasy dates with five authors who found inspiration while imbibing.