The Merchant of Venice
First Produced: July 1598
Locale: Venice in Italy and Belmont
Dramatis Personae:
The DUKE OF VENICE
The PRINCE OF MOROCCO, suitor to Portia
The PRINCE OF ARRAGON, suitor to Portia
ANTONIO, a merchant of Venice
BASSANIO, friend of Antonio and suitor to Portia
SOLANIO, friend of Antonio and Bassanio
GRAZIANO, friend of Antonio and Bassanio
SALERIO, friend of Antonio and Bassanio
LORENZO, in love with Jessica
SHYLOCK, a wealthy Jew
TUBAL, a Jewish friend of Shylock
LANCELOT GOBBO, a clown and servant to Shylock
OLD GOBBO, blind father to Launcelot
LEONARDO, servant to Bassanio
BALTHAZAR, servant to Portia
STEPHANO, servant to Portia
PORTIA, a wealthy heiress of Belmont
NERISSA, waiting-gentlewoman to Portia
JESSICA, daughter to Shylock
MAGNIFICOES of Venice, OFFICERS of the Court of
Justice, JAILER, SERVANTS to Portia, other ATTENDANTS
Brief Synopsis: The play opens with a morose Antonio who Salerio and Solanio try to cheer up. Bassanio, who is
deeply indebted to Antonio, says that he wants to woo Portia, but he needs 3,000 ducats to do so. Antonio, whose
money is tied up with four ships he owns, asks Shylock, a wealthy Jew, to loan him the money for three months on
behalf of Bassanio. They both detest each other. In lieu of interest, Shylock demands a pound of Antonio’s flesh if
he defaults on the loan.
Lorenzo and Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, are in love, and Lorenzo elopes with her. She grabs ducats and valuable
jewels from her father’s stash of wealth as she leaves. Shylock is distraught about both the loss of his daughter to
a Christian and the loss, by thieves as far as he knows, of part of his wealth.
In the meantime, Portia is pursued by other suitors. She is bound by her father’s will, which provides that the
suitor who correctly chooses one of three chests, one of gold, one of silver, and one of lead, will win the hand of
Portia. The correct chest contains a portrait of her. The prince of Morocco arrives and chooses the golden chest,
which contains only a scroll with a mocking poem. He leaves.
A second suitor, the prince of Arragon, arrives and chooses the silver chest. Inside he finds a fool’s head and a
mocking poem. He too leaves.
Bassanio and Gratizano then arrive at Belmont. Portia has a fondness for Bassanio and asks him to delay his choice
of a chest, but he insists on proceeding. He chooses the leaden chest and finds Portia’s portrait inside. She then
gives him a ring, which he is to never give up. She also commits to share her estate with him. Graziano and Jessica
had also agreed to marry if Bassanio chose the correct chest. Portia and Bassanio give their blessing.
A messenger arrives with news that Antonio’s ships have wrecked. Bassanio is forced to admit to Portia that he
had borrowed money from Antonio, who had pledged to give up a pound of flesh if he defaulted on the loan.
Portia tells Bassanio that he and Graziano must return to Venice to save their friend before their wedding. She
gives him thousands of ducats by which he may be able to buy Antonio out of his predicament.
After Bassanio and Graziano leave, Portia tells Lorenzo and Jessica, who had arrived earlier, that she and Nerissa
are going to a monastery to pray during the time that Bassanio and Graziano are gone. She asks him to take care
of her house while she is gone.
Merchant – 2
Instead of going to a monastery, Portia and Nerissa disguise themselves as young men who have studied the law.
They go to Venice where the Duke is holding court to determine whether or not the contract between Antonio and
Shylock should be enforced. The Duke is awaiting the arrival of Bellario, a legal expert in Padua, but [Portia]
(disguised as Balthazar) presents a letter from Bellerio in which he says that he is ill and cannot come to the
hearing. Instead he has sent his young mentor, who despite his youth, is very learned in law, wise, and familiar
with the case of Antonio and Shylock.
Bassanio offers to Shylock triple the amount of the original loan in order to save Antonio, but Shylock is
undeterred; he is determined to get revenge on Antonio. [Portia] then rules that no blood can be shed while
Shylock takes his pound of flesh since the contract did not provide for the shedding of blood. [She] then cites a
Venetian law that any alien who tries to take the life of a Christian Venetian will himself forfeit his own life and all
of his wealth, with one-half going to the intended victim and one-half to the state. The Duke pardons Shylock from
execution and Antonio waives the fine that would go to the state. Instead, he demands that Shylock become a
Christian and that he sign a deed providing that his estate will go to his daughter at his death. Shylock, defeated,
agrees, says he is ill and must leave, but agrees to sign the deed at his home.
Bassanio offers 3,000 ducats to [Portia] (still disguised) in return for [her] services as a judge in the case. [She]
refuses, but instead asks for the ring he had received from Portia. He said that he had vowed to never give it up as
he had received it from his wife. [She] then leaves, but Antonio implores Bassanio to give the ring to [her].
Graziano chases after [her] and gives [her] the ring. He also shows [Nerissa] (also still disguised) where Shylock
lives so that he (Shylock) can sign the deed. [She] is able to talk Graziano into giving up the ring he had received
from Nerissa.
Portia and Nerissa race back to Belmont. Portia tells Lorenzo that they prayed for their husbands while at the
monastery and she asks Lorenzo not to tell Bassanio and Graziano about the monastery. When Bassanio and
Graziano arrive later with Antonio, Portia welcomes Antonio. Nerissa notices that her ring is missing from
Graziano’s finger and he is forced to admit what had happened. Portia says that Bassanio would have never given
up his ring, but then Bassanio is forced to admit that he had indeed done so. Portia then gives Antonio her ring,
who gives it to Bassanio. He recognizes the ring as the original ring. Portia tells him that she received the ring
from a young lawyer with whom she had slept the night before. Nerissa also produces her ring and tells Graziano
that she had received her ring from a judge’s clerk, with whom she had slept the previous night. Antonio receives
news that three of his ships have returned richly laden to Venice and Nerissa gives the deed, signed by Shylock, to
Lorenzo. They all decide to make up.
Act.Scene
1.1
Lines
1-56
Players
Summary of Conversation
Antonio, Salerio, Solanio
Antonio is sad, for unknown reasons, and his friends
ask if he concerned about his ships or if he is in love,
but he says no. They are still unable to cheer him up.
Salerio, seeing Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Graziano, says
that he would try further to cheer up Antonio, but
now worthier friends have arrived.
Graziano sees the sadness of Antonio and tries to
cheer him up. He then says that he will continue his
exhortation at dinner. He and Lorenzo leave.
57-68
Salerio, Solanio, Antonio,
Bassanio, Lorenzo, Graziano
69-112
Lorenzo, Bassanio, Graziano,
Antonio
Merchant - 3
Act.Scene
1.1
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
113-185
Antonio, Bassanio
1.2
1-121
Bassanio says that Graziano “an infinite deal of
nothing.” He then reminds Antonio of his desperate
financial situation; he is indebted more to Antonio
than anyone else. Antonio says he will stand beside
his friend. Bassanio then tells Antonio that he needs
money in order to woo Portia; she has many suitors.
Antonio says he would help, but all of his money is
tied up in his ships, which are at sea.
Portia is weary because she has too many suitors and
she is restricted her choice by her father’s will.
Nerissa explains that Portia’s father left three chests,
one of gold, one of silver, and one of lead. Each
suitor is to open one of the chests; the one who
opens the correct chest wins the hand of Portia, who
has already seen six suitors, none to her liking. After
denigrating each one, Nerissa reminds her of
Bassanio, whom Portia recalls favorably.
The servingman tells Portia that four suitors are
leaving, but a fifth has arrived, the prince of Morocco.
Portia is leery.
Bassanio tells Shylock that he wants to borrow 3,000
ducats for three months and that Antonio will
guarantee the loan. Shylock ponders the risks
involved with Antonio’s ships and then asks to see
Antonio. Shylock refuses dinner because of Jewish
dietary laws.
Shylock, in an aside, says that he hates Antonio
because Antonio loans money at no interest, thereby
driving down interest rates. He then tells Bassanio
that he can obtain the funds from Tubal, another
wealthy Jew. Shylock refuses to charge interest and
cites the story of Jacob and Laban; he then reminds
Antonio of how the latter had treated Shylock with
contempt. Nonetheless, Shylock will accept the
guarantee of Antonio for the loan; if Antonio defaults,
then Shylock is entitled to a pound of Antonio’s flesh.
Antonio, confidant that his ships will return with a
hefty profit within two months, agrees to the terms.
Antonio reassures Bassanio not to worry.
Morocco asks Portia to overlook his darker
complexion. She replies that she is bound by her
father’s will and she is not concerned about his
complexion. He thanks her and then asks to see the
chests so that he can choose. She says that he must
agree to never speak to another lady about marriage
if he chooses incorrectly. He agrees and then she
says that he will have his chance after dinner.
A slave of Shylock, Lancelot debates whether or not
to run away and then decides to do so.
122-133
1.3
1-39
Portia, Nerissa
Portia, Servingman, [Nerissa]
Shylock, Bassanio
40-176
Bassanio, Shylock, Antonio
2.1
177-181
1-46
Antonio, Bassanio
Morocco, Portia, [Nerissa]
2.2
1-32
Lancelot [soliloquy]
Merchant - 4
Act.Scene
2.2
2.3
2.4
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
33-113
Lancelot, Old Gobbo
Old Gobbo, Lancelot’s blind father, asks Lancelot,
whom he cannot recognize, the way to Shylock.
Lancelot hides his true identity and tells his father
that Lancelot is dead. Old Gobbo is dismayed until
Lancelot tries to reveal his true identity. His father is
skeptical until Lancelot says the name of his mother.
Convinced, he comments on Lancelot’s beard. Old
Gobbo asks Lancelot how is goes with Shylock as he
has a present for him. Lancelot says that he plans to
run away since he barely has enough to eat.
Bassanio sends a servant away with letters and
instructions to have supper ready by 5 pm. Old
Gabbo asks Bassanio to hire Lancelot as a servant.
Bassanio warns Lancelot that he is poor, but Lancelot
undeterred as he has been through many scrapes.
Bassanio asks Leonardo to run a quick errand.
Graziano wants to accompany Bassanio to Belmont,
where the latter will see Portia. Bassanio agrees
provided Graziano behaves himself and acts civilly.
He is free, however, to enjoy himself at dinner.
Jessica bids farewell to Lancelot, who brought some
respite to the hellishness of her father’s house. She
gives him a ducat and asks him to give a letter to
Lorenzo without the knowledge of her father.
She says she is ashamed to be her father’s daughter
and vows to become a Christian and marry Lorenzo.
Lorenzo tells his companions that they will sneak
away and disguise themselves at suppertime.
Lancelot tells Lorenzo that he is on his way to ask
Shylock to have supper with Bassanio. He then gives
Lorenzo Portia’s letter.
Lorenzo reveals the contents of Portia’s letter in
which she tells Lorenzo how to help her elope with
him.
Shylock talks of Jessica and so Lancelot calls to her.
Shylock is reluctant to go to have dinner with Antonio
and his associates. He tells Jessica to close up the
house while he is gone and then sends Lancelot
ahead. Lancelot tells Jessica that a good-looking
Christian may come past the house during the
evening.
Shylock hears part of Lancelot’s remark to Jessica and
asks her about it, but she says that Lancelot only bid
her farewell.
Jessica says that her father has lost his daughter.
Graziano and Salerio are waiting near Jessica’s
window for Lorenzo, who is almost late. This seems
odd to them since lovers are usually eager and early.
114-168
Bassanio, Lancelot, Old Gobbo,
Leonardo
169-174
175-206
Bassanio, Leonardo
Graziano, Leonardo, Bassanio
1-14
Jessica, Lancelot
15-21
Jessica [soliloquy]
1-8
9-27
2.5
2.6
Lorenzo, Graziano, Salerio,
Solanio
Lorenzo, Lancelot, Graziano,
[Solanio], [Salerio]
28-39
Lorenzo, Salerio, Solanio,
Graziano
1-9
10-43
Shylock, Lancelot
Jessica, Shylock, Lancelot
44-55
Shylock, Jessica
56-57
1-19
Jessica [alone]
Graziano, Salerio
Merchant - 5
Act.Scene
2.6
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
20-25
Salerio, Lorenzo, [Graziano]
26-50
Jessica (disguised), Lorenzo,
[Graziano], [Salerio]
51-57
Graziano, Lorenzo, [Salerio]
58-59
Lorenzo, [Graziano], [Jessica],
[Salerio]
Antonio, Graziano
Lorenzo apologizes for his tardiness as he was
detained by his affairs.
Jessica, disguised as a boy, asks who is below.
Lorenzo identifies himself. They profess their love for
each other and then Jessica throws down a basket.
She is ashamed of her appearance, but Lorenzo
reassures her. She says she will be down as soon as
she grabs some more ducats and secures the doors.
Jessica may be Jewish, but Lorenzo says that she is
fair and wise.
When Jessica finally appears, Lorenzo says that they
must hurry to dinner and they leave.
Antonio tells Graziano that Bassanio is ready to board
a ship that night and he should join him. Graziano
says he is eager to do so.
Portia shows Morocco the three chests. The golden
one says, “Who chooseth me shall gain what many
men desire.” The silver chest says, “Who chooseth
me shall get as much as he deserves.” The leaden
chest says, “Who chooseth me must give and hazard
all he hath.” Portia says that the one with her picture
is the chest that wins her hand. Morocco opens the
golden chest as he figures Portia is what many men
desire, but the chest contains only a scroll with a
poem; it says that all that glistens is not gold.
Dejected, Morocco leaves.
Portia says good riddance to his departure.
Shylock has learned that Jessica has left him and so
roused the Duke to search the ship on which Bassanio
and Graziano are to sail to Belmont, but the ship has
left. Antonio certified to the Duke that Jessica was
not on the ship. Solanio comments on Shylock’s
lament over the loss of his daughter to a Christian
and the loss of his ducats and jewels. They have also
heard of the wreck of a Venetian ship, possibly one of
Antonio’s. Finally, Salerio tells of the tender parting
of Bassanio and Antonio, who told Bassanio not to
worry about the loan contract with Shylock.
Nerissa tells the servitor to draw the curtain hiding
the chests as the prince of Arragon has arrived.
Portia shows the three chests to Arragon, who vows
that if he chooses incorrectly, he will never woo
another maiden for marriage and that he will leave
forthwith. He opens the silver chest since he believes
he deserves to have Portia, the chest only contains a
fool’s head and another mocking poem. Arragon
keeps his vow and leaves.
60-68
2.7
1-77
Portia, Morocco
2.8
78-79
1-54
Portia [alone]
Salerio, Solanio
2.9
1-3
4-78
Nerissa, [Servitor]
Portia, Arragon, [Nerissa],
[Servitor]
Merchant - 6
Act.Scene
2.9
Lines
79-83
84-101
3.1
1-21
Players
Summary of Conversation
Portia, Nerissa, [Servitor]
Portia says that her suitors have by the wisdom by
their wit to lose. Nerissa says that hanging and
wiving go by destiny.
The messenger says that another suitor has arrived
and he speaks well of him. Portia is dubious, but
Nerissa excitedly recognizes Bassanio.
Salerio has heard that one of Antonio’s ships, the
Rialto, ran aground on the Goodwin islands off the
mouth of the Thames. They hope he has no further
losses.
Shylock accuses Salerio and Solanio of helping Jessica
elope; he is distraught by the thought that his own
flesh and blood has abandoned him. Salerio says that
Jessica is very different from her father. Asked about
Antonio’s ships, Shylock says to look to Antonio’s
guarantee for the loan. Salerio asks Shylock if he
would really demand a pound of flesh. Shylock said
he would do so because Antonio has repeated
insulted him and his people. He then says that Jews
have the same organs, senses, limbs, and passions as
Christians. He said Christians use revenge, so he will
do likewise.
The servingman says that Antonio wants to speak
with Salerio and Solanio. Solanio sees approach of
Tubal, another Jew, whom he compares to the devil.
Tubal says that Jessica has not been found. Shylock
laments the loss of his jewels and ducats; he would
rather have Jessica dead with them in her casket.
Tubal has news that Antonio’s ships have wrecked
and Shylock is delighted. Tubal then tells him that
Jessica spent 80 ducats in Genoa and gave away a
keepsake ring for a monkey. Shylock is distraught,
but then reassured by Antonio’s misfortune. He tells
Tubal to hire an officer and then meet him at the
local synagogue.
Messenger, Portia, Nerissa,
[Servitor]
Solanio, Salerio
22-73
Shylock, Salerio, Solanio
74-78
Servingman, Salerio, [Shylock],
[Solanio]
79-130
Shylock, Tubal
Merchant - 7
Act.Scene
3.2
Lines
1-219
220-327
Players
Summary of Conversations
Portia, Bassanio, Nerissa,
Graziano
Portia asks Bassanio to delay his choice so that she
can come to know him better and at least spend
some time with him in case he chooses incorrectly.
Bassanio, however, wants to proceed and then tries
to figure out which casket to choose. He decides that
outward beauty (gold and silver) are deceiving, so he
picks the leaden chest. Portia in an aside has to show
restraint as she knows he has choosen correctly.
Bassanio finds Portia’s portrait in the leaden chase
and speaks effusively of the artist’s depiction of her.
The poem inside tells him to claim Portia with a kiss.
Portia then commits to share her estate with him and
gives him a ring. Graziano says that he and Nerissa
vowed to marry each other if Bassanio chose
correctly. Bassanio and Portia give their blessing.
Salerio arrives with a letter from Antonio. Upon
reading it, Bassanio is visibly shaken; Portia demands
to see the letter. Bassanio then confesses to her that
he is deeply indebted to Antonio and that Antonio
had borrowed 3,000 ducats based on a guarantee of
one pound of his flesh. Portia postpones their
wedding until the matter is resolved. She tells
Bassanio to go to Venice and pay Shylock twice or
treble, or even more, of the amount of the loan. She
and Nerissa will live as maidens in the meantime.
Jessica says that her father would have the flesh of
Antonio than 20 times the amount of the loan. In the
letter, Antonio says that his ships have all failed and
that he is totally ruined. He also said that he forgives
all of Bassanio’s debts.
Antonio is arrested; he pleas with Shylock for mercy,
but Shylock will not budge. He is convinced that the
Duke will uphold the contract. Antonio also agrees
that the contract must be upheld or the laws of
Venice will lose all respect. He becomes fatalistic.
Portia says that she and Nerissa will retire to a
monastery until Bassanio and Graziano return. In the
meantime, she gives the care of her home to Lorenzo.
Portia gives Balthazar a letter to take to her cousin,
Doctor Bellario, in which she asks for legal advice.
Portia tells Nerissa that, instead of a monastic hiatus,
they will go to Venice disguised as young men, who
have studied the law.
Lancelot tells Jessica, that despite her conversion to
Christianity, she is still double-damned since both of
her parents were Jews. She says that her husband
will save her. Lancelot then laments the fact that the
increasing number of Christians will raise the price of
hogs.
Bassanio, Portia, Lorenzo,
Salerio, Graziano, [Nerissa]
3.3
1-36
Shylock, Antonio, Solanio,
[Jailer]
3.4
1-44
Lorenzo, Portia, Jessica,
[Nerissa], [Balthazar]
3.5
45-56
Portia, Balthazar, [Nerissa]
57-84
Portia, Nerissa
1-26
Lancelot, Jessica
Merchant - 8
Act.Scene
3.5
4.1
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
27-64
Jessica, Lorenzo, Lancelot
65-90
Lorenzo, Jessica
Jessica tells Lorenzo of Lancelot’s remarks; Lorenzo
teases Lancelot with a wordplay on “more” and
“Moor.” He tells Lancelot to prepare dinner amid
more witticisms. Lancelot exits.
Lorenzo is somewhat exasperated with Lancelot, but
then he asks for Jessica’s opinion of Portia; Jessica
speaks well of her and Bassanio. Jessica wants to
speak well of Lorenzo, but he wants to first go to
dinner.
The Duke sees Antonio and expresses his sorrow for
Antonio to be at the mercy of such a merciless man.
Antonio says that he is prepared to meet his fate.
The Duke says that Shylock has the legal right to a
pound of flesh, even though he will forfeit the
amount of the loan. Nonetheless, he expects him to
show some mercy. Shylock says that he wants a
pound of flesh for personal reasons, although he
admits that he loathes Antonio. Shylock and Bassanio
briefly banter about Shylock’s reasons. Antonio bids
them to stop arguing; he is prepared to meet his fate.
Bassanio offers Shylock 6,000 ducats; Shylock refuses
and argues that Christians own slaves and treat them
poorly. Does Shylock ask that they be freed? The
Duke says that he may dismiss the court unless word
arrives from Bellario. Bassanio is optimistic, but
Antonio remains fatalistic.
Nerissa, in disguise, says she has a letter from
Bellario. While Shylock sharpens a knife, Graziano
calls him a dog and further denigrates him. Shylock
says that he stands for the law. The Duke reads the
letter, in which Bellario says that he is ill and cannot
be present. He has therefore sent a young doctor,
Balthazar, who is familiar with the case, and who,
despite his youth, is very wise. He should have full
confidence in the legal opinion of Balthazar.
1-15
16-118
119-166
Duke, Antonio, [Graziano],
[Salerio], [Magnificoes]
Duke, Shylock, Bassanio, Salerio,
[Antonio], [Graziano],
[Magnificoes]
Duke, Nerissa (in disguise),
Bassanio, Shylock, Graziano,
[Antonio], [Salerio],
[Magnificoes]
Merchant - 9
Act.Scene
4.1
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
167-400
Duke, Portia (in disguise),
Shylock, Antonio, Bassanio,
Graziano, [Nerissa], [Salerio],
[Magnificoes]
401-407
Duke, Portia (in disguise),
[Antonio], [Bassanio],
[Graziano], [Nerissa (in
disguise)], [Salerio],
[Magnificoes]
Bassanio, Antonio, Portia (in
disguise), [Graziano], [Nerissa (in
disguise)], [Salerio]
Portia arrives in disguise as Balthazar. She argues
that Shylock must be merciful since in the course of
justice alone, no one would see salvation. Shylock is
not persuaded. Bassanio says that he is prepared to
pay up to ten times the amount of the loan, but
(Portia) says that the decree must stand. Shylock
applauds her sense of justice. (Portia) tells Antonio to
bare his chest; Bassanio and Graziano both indicate
that they care about Antonio more than their wives
as they console him. (Portia) then notes that no
blood can be shed as the contract does not allow for
the shedding of blood. She also says that under
Venetian law, any alien who seeks the life of a
Venetian Christian will forfeit his own life and all of
his wealth, one-half to the intended victim and onehalf to the state. The Duke pardons Shylock for his
life and Antonio agrees to waive the fine, but he then
demands that Shylock become a Christian and that he
gift to his daughter his estate upon his death.
Defeated, Shylock accepts the judgment, says that he
is ill but that he will sign the gift agreement, or deed,
at his home. He leaves
The Duke invites Balthazar to dinner, but (he) says
that he must return to Padua forthwith.
408-448
4.2
449-457
Antonio, Bassanio, [Duke],
[Graziano], [Shylock], [Salerio],
[Magnificoes]
1-4
Portia (in disguise), [Nerissa (in
disguise)]
5-19
Graziano, Portia, Nerissa
Bassanio offers Balthazar 3,000 ducats for (his)
service, but (he) declines. Instead (he) asks for the
ring from Portia on Bassanio’s finger. He says that
the ring is not so important, although he had received
it from his wife and that he had vowed to never lose
it. Balthazar lets it go and leaves.
Antonio tells Bassanio to let Balthazar have the ring.
Bassanio tells Graziano to chase after Balthazar to
give (him) the ring. In the morning, they will leave
promptly for Belmont.
Portia tells Nerissa to find Shylock’s house in order to
get his signature on the deed. They will then leave
that evening for Belmont so that they will be back
home before their husbands arrive.
Graziano offers Bassanio’s ring to Balthazar, who
accepts it. He also says that he will take Nerissa to
Shylock’s home. In an aside, Nerissa says that she will
try to get her ring back from Graziano.
Merchant - 10
Act.Scene
5.1
Lines
1-24
Players
Summary of Conversation
Lorenzo, Jessica
Outside Portia’s house, Lorenzo and Jessica laud a
beautiful evening with references to ancient
mythology.
The messenger says that Portia and Nerissa have
returned from the monastery.
Lancelot says that Bassanio will arrive in the morning
with good news.
Lorenzo decides that they will wait outside; he asks
the messenger to bring some music.
Lorenzo continues to the laud the beautiful evening.
Musicians arrive and Lorenzo tells to play. Jessica
says that she is never merry when she hears sweet
music, so Lorenzo tries to persuade her about the
pleasures of music.
Portia compares the music to the sounds of birds.
Lorenzo welcomes Portia and Nerissa back to the
house. Portia says that they had prayed at the
monastery for their husbands; he asks Lorenzo to say
nothing to Bassanio and Graziano about their stay at
a monastery. They hear the trumpet announcing the
arrival of Bassanio and Graziano.
Portia welcomes Antonio to her house. Nerissa
evidently asks about her ring and Graziano admits
that he gave it to a judge’s clerk. Portia upbraids him
for giving away the ring and says that Bassanio would
never part with the ring she gave to him. Bassanio,
however, now forced to admit that he gave the ring
to the judge in the case. He explains all of the
circumstances when Portia gives her ring to Antonio
to give to Bassanio. Recognizing it as the original ring,
he wonders how Portia repossessed it. Portia says
that she slept with the judge during the night and
received the ring as a gift. Nerissa then produces her
ring and says that she slept with the judge’s clerk and
she too received her ring as a gift. Portia then tells
Antonio that three of his ships have returned richly
laden to Venice. Nerissa gives Lorenzo the deed
signed by Shylock. They all decide to make up.
25-37
Lorenzo, Messenger, [Jessica]
38-48
49-53
Lancelot, Lorenzo, [Jessica],
[Messenger]
Lorenzo, [Jessica], [Messenger]
54-65
66-88
Lorenzo, [Jessica]
Lorenzo, Jessica, [Musicians]
89-126
127-307
Portia, Nerissa, Lorenzo,
[Jessica], [Musicians]
Bassanio, Portia, Antonio,
Graziano, Nerissa, Lorenzo,
[Jessica], [Musicians]
Questions: Why did Antonio seek a loan from Shylock, someone he detested?
Why is Jessica unhappy at home and eager to escape?
What is the role of Lancelot in the play?
Who is the hero, or who are the heroes, in the play?
Why does Shakespeare have Lorenzo and Jessica go to Belmont?
Why did Portia tell Lorenzo and Jessica not to tell Bassanio and Graziano about their stay at a monastery?
Was Shakespeare anti-Semitic?
Do masks and hidden identities, features common in Shakespeare’s plays, really work in real life?