society people who were reputed to be witty or wise were actually quite foolish; but, on the other hand, the words of fools often cleverly contained ideas and suggestions of great wit and wisdom. Graziano makes a similar comment in his speech and asserts that the serious man – the Sir Oracle – is really an individual of very little wit. The Sir Oracle is actually the biggest offools.
Like Feste, Graziano is an individual who has a better and healthier – and therefore, happier – philosophy in his approach to life. But Shakespeare was certainly aware that for the most part people need to bring balance to their lives. And in this play, just as Antonio must learn to be less melancholic and morose about life, Graziano must learn to be more serious and solemn. There are times, after all, when joking and jesting are completely inappropriate. And Graziano will soon experience one of those occasions when he travels to Belmont withBassanio.
After Graziano leaves the stage, Antonio is left with his dear and close companion Bassanio. In the pastBassaniohas borrowed a great deal of money from Antonio, and so he is reluctant to ask Antonio for more. However, Bassanio has a plan; and if he is successful in that plan, then he will have more than enough money to pay back Antonio