ICSE Class 9 Answered

Antonio is willing to lend money without interest because he feels that it is inappropriate to charge interest from friends. Shylock is teasing Antonio with words during their discussion about Shylock lending money. Shylock is Jewish and hated by Antonio, a Christian, and Shylock's witty repartee instigates him to criticize the Jew's ways. He tells Shylock upfront that if he doesn't want to lend money so be it. Then he asks him to lend it to them as if they were enemies not friends. He also says that if Shylock lends the money thinking about Antonio and Bassanio as his enemies, and if Antonio goes bankrupt, it would be easier for him to take the penalty.