Is Antonio truly the kindest gentleman to tread the earth?

Is Antonio truly the kindest gentleman to tread the earth?

1. For

   • He is extremely generous and is willing to give everything he has to his friend
     • "My purse, my person, my exremest means lie all unlocked to your occasions" - Antonio Act 1 scene 1
   • He sacrifices himself for his friend to be happy
     • " let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken In what part of your body pleaseth me" - Shylock Act 1 scene 3
   • He does not charge interest when he lends money
     • "He lends out money gratis and brings the rate of usance here with us in Venice" - Shylock Act 1 scene 3
   • He is an honest man that keeps his word
     • "Most heartily I do beseech the court To give the judgment" - Antonio Act 4 scene 1
       • This makes him respectable
   • He shows a small amount of mercy to his enemy
     • He refuses to take Shylock's life when it is offered to him
       • Shows he is not completely ruthless to Shylock

2. Against

   • He abuses Shylock
     • He calls him terrible names to insult him
       • "Mark you this, Bassanio, The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose" - Antonio Act 1 scene 3
     • He publicly humiliates him
       • "You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine... You, that did void your rheum upon my beard And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur Over your threshold!" - Shylock Act 1 scene 3
     • He takes everything he has from him
       • "To quit the fine for one half of his goods I am content, so he will let me have The other half in use to render it Upon his death unto the gentleman That lately stole his daughter" - Antonio Act 4 scene 1
     • He makes him convert to Christianity
       • "that for this favor He presently become a Christian" - Antonio Act 4 scene 1