Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the author of the play The Merchant of Venice.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Merchant of Venice is one of the most well-known and widely studied plays in English literature. It was written by the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare, likely between 1596 and 1598. The play is famous for its complex characters, including the moneylender Shylock, and its exploration of themes like justice, mercy, and prejudice.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The play The Merchant of Venice was written by William Shakespeare.