Final answer:
The play in the question is 'The Merchant of Venice' by William Shakespeare, a dramatic comedy involving a debt scenario with the character Antonio and the moneylender Shylock. It illustrates themes of mercy and justice within Elizabethan society and showcases Shakespeare's expertise in blending comedy and tragedy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The comedic play written by William Shakespeare in which a character named Antonio must default on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender named Shylock is known as The Merchant of Venice. This play provides an insightful look into Elizabethan societal norms and the complex nature of justice, mercy, and human relationships.
The merchant named Antonio indeed faces a grim situation where he cannot repay Shylock the agreed sum, leading to a dramatic court scene where themes of mercy and justice are eloquently debated. Shylock, driven by a desire for revenge against the Christians who have wronged him, demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as collateral for the debt, which is a major conflict in the play.
Shakespeare's works often include themes of legal and moral dilemmas, as well as commentary on the societal issues of his time. Like many of Shakespeare's plays, The Merchant of Venice balances tragic elements with comedic relief, making it a powerful and enduring piece of literature. This play, in combination with others such as Hamlet and Twelfth Night, cement Shakespeare's reputation as a master of language and human psyche.
Moreover, the challenges of debt and the sometimes comical, often tragic attempts to escape it are themes that Shakespeare and his contemporaries skillfully wove into their works, as seen also in Georgian Britain and other literary examples like Moliere's The Miser.