Shakespeare provides a brilliant example of "seeing the other" in his play The Merchant of Venice. Throughout the play, Antonio's actions indirectly narrate his homoerotic love for Bassanio and also create a sense of boundary discussion between loving friends or lovers. Antonio helps Bassanio win Portia's love, providing money, advice and offering his own life, ironically encountering the inscription on the lead casket that must be chosen to win her hand: "He who chooses me, must give and risk everything what he has" (2.7.19-20). The Merchant of Venice's other is Antonio, who "loves the world only for [Bassanio]" (2.8.52). Antonio's support of Bassanio in courting Portia, with his monetary generosity, must make Bassanio happy, even at the cost of his own happiness. This creates the false impression that Bassanio reciprocates Antonio's love, even though Bassanio states: “to you Antonio/I owe more in money and in love” (1.1.129-130). Bassanio has no romantic love for Antonio, only that of a friend as his eyes are on Portia, he is simply asking Antonio for funds to w...