There are multiple hints of homosexuality in Shakespeare. In the Merchant of Venice, the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio has sometimes been seen as something greater than just a friendship. Antonio repeatedly lets Bassanio know how much he loves him, which was not uncommon during this time period, but the language Antonio uses is very extravagant. When Antonio expresses his love for Bassanio, he says it in a very intricately beautiful, almost poetic form. Antonio flatters him, and continuously reassures him of how important he is to him. For example, at the beginning of the play when Bassanio asks to borrow money from Antonio in a very hesitant way because he already owes him money, Antonio responds,
I pray you, good Bassanio, let me know it
And if it stand, as you yourself still do
Within the eye of honor, be assured
My purse, my person, my extremest means
Lie all unlocked to you occasions.
(Shakespeare & Bevington, 2014, p. 81 1.1.135-139)
As opposed to today’s audience, this type of relationship would not be considered out-of-the-norm or awkward for the Elizabethans. For them, it was acceptable for men to hold hands, walk with their arms linked, kiss on the mouth, and spend many hours together. Men were even allowed to have sex with other men, and not be considered gay because homosexuality was seen as a phase of life, rather than as a permanent state of being as it is today. In fact, homosexuality was very common amongst the nobility. Of course, homosexuality was exclusively for the men. Another interesting factor of the Elizabethans is that since women were not allowed to perform in Shakespeare’s plays, the men played the women (Lyle, 2012). This, too, was acceptable for them, but would not have been acceptable for the women.