Antonio is Heterosexual

The loyal companionship of Antonio and Bassanio is one of the most important relationships in The Merchant of Venice. However, their relationship is not a romantic one; it is an entirely platonic relationship based on their mutual friendship and partnership. When Salarino suggests that love may be responsible Antonio's strange sadness, he immediately dismisses the idea with anger and disgust. However, when Bassanio arrives, Antonio finally shows interest in something and asks "tell me now what lady is the same To whom you swore a secret pilgrimage, That you to-day promised to tell me of?"(I.i.126-128). This is likely the thing that had him so upset. His best friend will be leaving him and his home to chase after some woman that he does not know. Contrary to how a lover might react to this news, Antonio proves that he wholeheartedly supports Bassanio's efforts by promising to him three thousand ducets that he cannot afford. Bassanio, who we know with certainty to be heterosexual expresses similar devotion when called upon to help. When he has returned to Venice to witness Antonio's trial he proclaims, "I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all Here to this devil, to deliver you,"(IV.i.298-299). Assuming sincerity, Bassanio is just as willing to lay down his life for Antonio as Antonio was for him. They have both proven that their devotion to each other, despite being nonsexual, is just as great as any of the romances within the play.