Reading Shakespeare: an encounter at the intersection of literature and mathematics

This article presents a hermeneutic exercise at the intersection of literature and mathematics, conducted from the reading of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. Understanding the English playwright as a trans-historical author, the question that arises is which elementary concepts of mathematics and Venice’s culture from the 16th century appear in the play, which can instigate discussions in the field of Mathematics Education. Using historiographical references and research developed by renowned scholars of Shakespeare’s work, the article shows that, from the play, at least three mathematical elements emerge: the monetary and interest system in force in the Venice portrayed, logic as an art of rhetoric, and the relevance of clearly using measuring instruments to measure quantities. On a broader level, the article serves as an invitation to teachers to consider the potential of incorporating literary works into their mathematics classes and to explore this area of research.