What do you think of Shakespeare's opinion of courtship and marriage, as expressed in The Merchant of Venice?

We do not know much about Shakespeare for certain, so we
need to tread lightly when we consider his "opinions". However, we can consider the
ideas that are expressed within the play; just be careful not to attribute them to
Shakespeare himself.

The Merchant of Venice
explores the trials and tribulations of courtship. Bassanio must initially
prove he is a worthy suitor for Portia through material means, Portia and Nerissa toy
with and manipulate their men in order to test their love, Bassanio publicly announces
he would give up his wife if it would save Antonio, and Jessica must reject her religion
for love. While Shakespeare does add twists of humor to each of these circumstances, his
focus appears to be on the difficulties and obstacles one must face for the sake of
romance.

However, given that the play appears to end
happily (in terms of the marriage/courtship plots) Shakespeare may be suggesting that
all of these obstacles are worth it in the name of love.