how is the theme of love and friendship brought out in the play?

The Merchant of Venice approaches the theme of love in numerous ways; familial, friendship, and of course romantic. Shakespeare also puposely shows a lack of love throughout the novel, and consistently pairs it with betrayal.

Bassanio initmates that he "loves" the beautiful Portia, but we also know he wants her for the money (dowry) she will afford him. The same applies to the relationship between Jessica and Lorenzo. In addition, the female characters appear to be skeptical of the very word.