Final answer:
In 'The Merchant of Venice', romantic love is depicted as the strongest force, driving the actions of the characters like Bassanio and Portia, and Jessica and Lorenzo throughout the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
In William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, the type of love portrayed as the strongest and most driving force in the plot is romantic love. Characters like Bassanio and Portia, as well as Lorenzo and Jessica, showcase romantic love through their actions and commitments to one another. The entire arc of Bassanio's quest to win Portia's hand in marriage, and the risks they both take for each other, typify the power of romantic love within the play. Similarly, Jessica's elopement with Lorenzo demonstrates the power of romantic love to motivate significant life changes and challenging familial bonds.