Antonio and Bassanio's Relationship

Analyze the relationship between Bassanio and Antonio. What is going on between them? What is the nature of their feelings toward one another? Please provide quote(s) from the text to support your position as well as its Kindle location(s).

Antonio and Bassanio's relationship is somewhat confusing. What I do know about it is that they are very close friends; Antonio gives a lot of money to Bassanio so he can make ends meet, and at another point Bassanio brings up his love life in a conversation with Antonio. From this point of view, they could just be a couple of guys who help each other out and discuss the many problems they have in their lives. Contrary to that set of information are some quotes that hint at a possible sexual relationship between the two. Antonio once says (partial quote), "My purse, my person, my extremest means, lie all unlock'd to your occasions(1.1.8)." It's pretty easy to understand what he's saying there, but it seems like Antonio's affections aren't being effectively reciprocated by Bassanio. In addition to this, Antonio is continuing to lend him money to support his endeavors- even when it comes to wooing other women. I think that Bassanio is trying to keep Antonio wondering about a potential sexual relationship between them so that he can use him for his money. If indeed he is doing this (which we'll find out soon enough), he'll be walking on thin ice if he continues to develop relationships with other women. If not, and Shakespeare is just adding in a taboo of his time period, this is an interesting way to do it.

NOTE: I had to restore my iPad over the weekend. I couldn't access my Kindle app during this time, meaning I couldn't add locations.