''Antonio, I am married to a wife, which is as dear to me as life itself; but life itself, my wife, and all the world, are not with me esteem'd above thy life: I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all, here to this devil, to deliver you.'' -- Which theme, or themes, from William Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice, is evident in Bassanio's speech?

'Theme' is the meaning or message of a literary work. Unlike other forms of writing, poetry, stories and plays never state their themes outright. Instead the reader must pay close attention to language, mood, dialog, character, plot and any other devices which the writer uses to convey the message.

In the questions below, even if you have not read the text before, pay close attention to the brief passages given in the question and you will be able to decide which theme is conveyed.