The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
STUDY PACK




To be completed along with characterization and theme tracking sheets.
To be written in full sentences.
For each response, provide support from the play along with the reference. For
example, “In sooth, I know not why I am so sad: / It wearies me; you say it
wearies you” (1.1.1-2). Homework is considered incomplete without supporting
quotations.
For each scene, you will provide a summary. Your summary must include an
overview of the scene, the setting, major characters involved in the scene (or the
introduction of a new character), and major topics or themes that are explored in
the scene. These may be completed in point form notes.
ACT TWO
Scene One
1. Summarize the scene.
- Setting: Belmont (a room in Portia’s house) *central to the CASKET PLOT
- Themes: Love, Appearance versus Reality
- Characters: Portia and the Prince of Morocco
- The Prince of Morocco explains his worthiness as a suitor to Portia; he is comfortable in his
own skin, courageous, and will fight for her
- Portia reminds Morocco that she has no choice in the matter and that his future is in the hands
of fate; she assures him that he is as fair a suitor as any other
- Portia reveals the conditions for participating in the lottery: if a suitor chooses incorrectly, he
may never marry
- Morocco would still like to participate; he will choose after dinner
2. How is the suspense created at the end of this scene? What is the effect on the
audience or reader?
 Suspense is created at the end of the scene because the Prince of Morocco will leave
his life in the hands of fate
 His boastful and arrogant personality may prevent him from making a sensible decision
 The reader is interested in seeing if Morocco wins the lottery
 “Good fortune then! / To make me blest or cursed’st among men! (2.1.45-46)
3. A pun is a play on words. Shakespeare uses these frequently in his plays. Give an
example of a pun in this scene, and explain the play on words. What is the effect of
this pun on you as a reader of the play?




PUN – a play on words; when an author uses a word with two diverse meanings or
uses two very similar sounding words in a statement in order to play on both
meanings of the word; puns can have serious as well as humorous uses
Portia’s insistence that the Prince of Morocco stands as “fair” as any other suitor is an
example of a pun.
“Yourself renowned prince, then stood as fair / As any corner I have look’d on yet / For
my affection” (2.1.20-22).
In this instance, “fair” might mean attractive or indicate that Morocco has a fair chance at
obtaining Portia’s hand in marriage. The reader knows the Portia is deceiving the Prince
of Morocco. In Act 1.2, she shares with Nerissa that she will refuse to marry the Prince
of Morocco because of his dark complexion; therefore, he is neither attractive to Portia,
nor does he have a fair chance, if she can help it, at obtaining her hand in marriage.
4. Find the example of dramatic irony in this scene and explain the irony.
 The audience knows that Portia is repulsed by the Prince of Morocco’s appearance, as
revealed in Act 1.2. In Act 2.1, however, she insists that the Prince has a fair chance and
is a worthy suitor. This is an example of dramatic irony because the audience knows of
Portia’s true feelings for Morocco. In this scene, she appears respectful and cordial yet,
in reality, she detests the Prince of Morocco and shows prejudices against him.
5. What new rule do we understand of the lottery devised by Portia’s father?
 The new condition for participating in the lottery is that if the suitor chooses incorrectly,
he cannot marry any woman
 You must take your chance;
And either not attempt to choose at all,
Or swear before you choose, if you choose wrong,
never to speak to a lady afterward
In way of marriage: therefore be advis’d. (2.1.38-42)
 the Prince of Morocco’s confidence (arrogance?) leads him to agree to these terms and
participate in the lottery.
Scene Two
1. Summarize the scene.
- Setting: Venice (a street outside Shylock’s house)
- Themes: Betrayal, Appearance versus Reality
- Characters: Launcelot Gobbo, Old Gobbo, Bassanio, and Gratiano
- Launcelot Gobbo, Shylock’s servant, considers whether or not he should leave Shylock (the
devil incarnate)
- Launcelot meets his father, Old Gobbo, in the street. Launcelot plays a trick on his old, blind
father and tells Old Gobbo that Launcelot is dead. Eventually, he confesses his lie and
encouraged Old Gobbo to present the gift he brought (which was intended for Shylock) to
Bassanio, whom Launcelot aims to serve,
- Bassanio arrives and Launcelot and Old Gobbo explain Launcelot’s desire to serve Bassanio
and to leave Shylock; Bassanio accepts the offer
- Gratiano convinces Bassanio to take Gratiano with him to Belmont; Gratiano must promise to
behave sensibly
2. Launcelot represents a conflict of conscience in his soliloquy in this scene. What is
the moral dilemma? How is it comic?

Moral dilemma – should Launcelot Gobbo leave his current master (Shylock) to serve
Bassanio?
o “The fiend is at mine elbow, and tempts me, saying to me, ‘Gobbo […] use your
legs, take the start, run away’” (2.2.2-3, 5).
o “‘Budge not!’ says my conscience” (2.2.18-19).
o “The fiend gives the more friendly counsel: I will run, fiend; my heels are at your
commandment; I will run” (2.2.28-30) -

How is it comic? It is comic because Launcelot Gobbo’s expresses his conflict of
conscience by dramatizing a conversation between three persons: the fiend (evil), his
conscience (good), and himself. This scene acts as comic relief, as it releases the
tensions built up by the previously tense scenes (especially 1.3)
3. Define malapropism (look to page 68 for a definition). Using the side notes to help
you, provide at least two examples of malapropism in the scene. How does this help
to reveal the character traits of Launcelot and Old Gobbo?

MALAPROPISM – incorrect word usage by a character (replacing one word with a
similar sounding but dramatically inappropriate word) as an indication of the
character’s ignorance

“I will try confusions with him” (2.2.36)  Launcelot says that he will “try confusions” with
his father (meaning that he will try to confuse his father by playing tricks on him); in
reality, Launcelot may mean to say “try conclusions” (which means to engage in a battle
of wits)



“He hath a great infection, sir (as one would say) to serve – “ (2.2.120-21)  Old Gobbo
means to say that Launcelot has a great affection (desire, wish) to serve Bassanio
“as my father being, I hope, an old man, shall fruitify unto you – “ (2.2.127-28) 
Launcelot means to say specify or notify, not fruitify
As both Launcelot and Old Gobbo misspeak, Bassanio encourages that only one of the
two speaks on behalf of both. Bassanio proves to grow impatient or confused by the two
comic figures. Their malapropisms reveal their ignoble status. Both characters are
intended to provide comic relief, yet are not of noble or high status.
Scene Three, Four, Five and Six
1. Summarize the scene.
Scene Three
- Setting: Venice (a street outside Shylock’s house) *REVEALS A SUBLOT – ELOPEMENT
PLOT
- Themes: Betrayal, Love, Child-Parent Relationships
- Characters: Launcelot & Jessica
- Jessica expresses her sorrow that Launcelot will no longer act as her father’s servant
- Jessica takes advantage of Launcelot’s new position as Bassanio’s servant. Launcelot will
encounter Bassanio’s friends, namely, Lorenzo (Jessica’s lover). She asks that Launcelot
deliver a letter to Lorenzo on her behalf.
- She delivers a soliloquy wherein she gives voice to her guilt, justification, and determination
regarding her hatred for her father, and her desire to convert to Christianity and marry Lorenzo.
Scene Four
- Setting: Venice (a street)
- Themes: Betrayal, Appearance versus Reality; Love
- Characters: Lorenzo, Launcelot
- Launcelot delivers Jessica’s letter to Lorenzo regarding her plan for their elopement; Lorenzo
asks Launcelot to deliver a message to Jessica that Lorenzo will not fail her (he will deliver on
his promises)
- Launcelot will invite Shylock to dine with Bassanio
- Lorenzo reveals the details of the elopement plot to Gratiano; Jessica will disguise herself as
Lorenzo’s torchbearer and will leave Shylock’s house with gold and jewels
Scene Five
- Setting: Venice (the street outside Shylock’s house)
- Themes: Betrayal, Love, Child-Parent Relationships; Appearance versus Reality
- Characters: Shylock, Jessica, Launcelot
- Shylock prepares to attend dinner with Bassanio and Antonio, despite feeling that his presence
is not truly wanted.
- Shylock’s dream about money bags cause him to sense that something bad will happen; he is
preoccupied with this idea.
- Shylock reminds Jessica to keep the door and windows shut as the masquerade takes place in
Venice to maintain the serious atmosphere of his house.
- Launcelot delivers Lorenzo’s message to Jessica: look out for Lorenzo in the street.
- Jessica prepares to leave her father’s house to elope with Lorenzo
Scene Six
- Setting: Venice (a street outside Shylock’s house) *FURTHER DEVELOPS A SUBLOT –
ELOPEMENT PLOT
- Themes: Betrayal, Love, Child-Parent Relationships
- Characters: Gratiano, Jessica, Lorenzo
- Gratiano and Salerio wait for Lorenzo (Lorenzo is late); they prepare to help Jessica escape
from her father’s house
- Jessica comes to the window, embarrassed and dressed as a torchbearer. She drops a casket
filled with money and jewels down to Lorenzo and plans to gather more before departing her
father’s house.
- Lorenzo explains the reasons why he loves Jessica (for her virtues).
- Antonio encourages Lorenzo and Gratiano to come quickly as there has been a change of
plans: Bassanio must leave for Belmont tonight.
2. Create a plot chart or diagram which illustrates visually how each of the two plots we
have witnessed in earlier scenes connects to the Jessica/Lorenzo plot. Which plot is
the main plot? Which would we consider sub-plots? Why?

PROVIDED IN CLASS
3. Update characterization sheets, paying close attention now to character traits
witnessed in Jessica, Lorenzo and Shylock.
Character
Jessica
Trait
Determined
Example/Explanation
“O Lorenzo / If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife, /
Become a Christian, and thy loving wife” (2.3.19-21).

Spiteful/
hateful
“Our house is hell” (2.3.2)
“But though I am a daughter to his blood, / I am not to his
manners” (2.3.18-19).

Dishonest
Jessica plans to convert to Christianity, as Lorenzo is a
Christian; she plans to marry Lorenzo and, hopefully, put
an end to the conflict between her father and Christians
Jessica echoes the language that Launcelot uses in Act
2.2 to represent Shylock as a devil. She refers to
Shylock’s home as “hell” and recognizes that she is only
her father’s daughter by blood, yet they share few to no
similarities in personality. This suggests that she may
resent her father (tension?).
“His words were, ‘Farewell, mistress’; nothing else” (2.5.45)

Jessica is dishonest with Shylock regarding Launcelot’s
secret message from Lorenzo (to keep an eye out for
Lorenzo during the masquerade)
Embarrassed “I am glad ‘tis night, you do not look on me, / For I am much
asham’d of my exchange” (2.6.24-35).

While dressed as a male torchbearer, Jessica expresses
her embarrassment that her lover, Lorenzo, should see
her in such unflattering attire.
What! must I hold a candle to my shames?
They in themselves, good sooth, are too too light.
Why, ‘tis and office of discovery, love,
And I should be obscur’d. (2.6.41-44)

Irrational/
impulsive/
naïve
Shylock
Protective,
over-bearing,
solemn
“But love is blind, and lovers cannot see / The pretty follies that
themselves commit” (2.6.36-37).


Shylock believes that his presence is not truly welcome
at the dinner; rather, the Christians invite him only
because they need something from him.
“But yet I’ll go in hate, to feed upon / The prodigal Christian”
(2.5.14-15).

Spiteful or
Shylock details clear instructions for Jessica – stay in the
house, ignore the masquerade, do not be taken in by the
foolish Christians, and maintain the sober atmosphere of
the home.
His diction (word choices) suggests that he believes the
masquerade is excessive, obnoxious, and wild.
“I am not big for love; they flatter me” (2.5.13).

Hateful
Jessica recognizes that love can cause lovers to behave
irrationally, impulsively, or out of character.
Lock up my doors, and when you hear the drum
And the vile squealing of the wry-neck’d fife,
Clamber not you up to the casements then,
Nor thrust your head into the public street
To gaze on Christian fools with varnish’d faces,
But stop my house’s ears – I mean my casements –
Let not the sound of shallow foppery enter
My sober house. (2.5.29-36)

Wise
Jessica dreads her role as a torchbearer because her
role is to light the path for Lorenzo; she is embarrassed
by her appearance and would rather be obscured
(hidden).
Shylock does not attend the banquet because he desires
to be there; he attends to look critically (or hatefully) upon
Antonio.
Well, thou shalt see, thy eyes shall be thy judge
The difference of old Shylock and Bassanio –
oblivious
What, Jessica! – thou shalt not gormandize
As thou hast done with me – What, Jessica! –
And sleep and snore, and rend apparel out –. (2.5.1-5)


Lorenzo
Sweet
Jessica:
And now who knows
But you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours?
Lorenzo:
Heaven and they thoughts are witness that thou
art. (2.6.30-33).

Loving
Shylock believes that he has treated Launcelot well and
encourages Launcelot to note the differences between
his old master (Shylock) and his new master (Bassanio).
In Act 2.2, Launcelot explains to Old Gobbo that he has
been treated poorly and is malnourished. Shylock, on the
other hand, has painted a different picture – one where
Launcelot is a servant who overeats, sleeps too much,
and dresses poorly.
Are Shylock’s expectations too high or is Launcelot
misrepresenting his experience with Shylock?
Lorenzo reassures Jessica that they will be together
Beshrew me, but I love her heartily;
For she is wise, if I can judge of her;
And fair she is, if that mine eyes be true;
And true she is, as she hath prov’d herself;
And therefore, like herself, wise, fair, and true,
Shall she be placed in my constant soul. (2.6.52-57)
4. Is Jessica right or wrong to elope with Lorenzo? Is she justified in taking money and
jewels with her?
 ANSWERS MAY VERY
 Supported Opinion Paragraph
o Topic Sentence – includes opinion and briefly states why
o Support – examples/evidence to support opinion
o Concluding Statement – restating the topic sentence
5. Make a list of all of Bassanio’s possible motives for inviting Shylock to dinner. What
clues are there in the text to suggest that Bassanio is an accomplice in the elopement
plot?


To further discuss the conditions of the bond
o Bassanio invites Shylock to eat with him and Antonio in 1.3.29
To distract him and keep him occupied while Jessica plans her escape
6. How is it dramatically ironic that Shylock leaves his house and possessions in
Jessica’s care?



Jessica is one of the few people whom Shylock fully trusts, as she is his flesh and blood;
she, however, will betray him by marrying a Christian and stealing Shylock’s money.
This is dramatically ironic because the audience knows of her plans to escape while her
father is out (Shylock has no knowledge of this)
Shylock regards the accumulation of wealth as one of his greatest accomplishments.
Sadly, his daughter’s decision to steal from him is not only dishonest but also insulting.
The audience might question the virtues that Lorenzo ascribes to her.
Scene Seven
1. Summarize the scene.
- Setting: Belmont (a room in Portia’s house)
- Themes: Love, Appearance versus Reality
- Characters: Portia and Morocco
- The audience learns that the correct casket will have Portia’s picture inside.
- The Prince of Morocco participates in the lottery; he dismisses the gold and lead caskets
based on their inscriptions. He chooses the gold casket.
- Portia is relieved that Morocco chose incorrectly.
2. Morocco had complained earlier in the play that the casket lottery is a game of
chance. How might Portia’s father have defended his lottery against such
accusation? How, then, is the casket lottery not a “lottery” in the usual sense?
 Portia’s father would defend his lottery as being a game of strategy. Portia’s father
deliberately placed her picture in a particular chest.
 “The one of them contains my picture, prince: / If you choose that, then I am yours
withal” (2.7.11-12).
 Morocco does not guess at random; he rationalizes each choice before settling on the
gold chest through a monologue in 2.7.13-60.
 Furthermore, unlike in the usual sense of the term ‘lottery’ where one does not lose
anything, in this lottery, Morocco has a lot to lose. He risks his future in order to
participate in this casket lottery.
3. “All that glisters is not gold.” Think of examples of the theme of appearance versus
reality in this play. Record a list with supporting references.





ANSWERS WILL VARY
Antonio/Bassanio versus Antonio/Shylock (1.1 versus 1.3)
Virtuous Portia versus Prejudiced Portia (1.1 versus 1.2)
Jessica/Shylock versus Jessica/Lorenzo (2.5 versus 2.3,2.4,2.6)
The caskets (2.7)
Scene Eight
1. Summarize the scene.
- Setting: Venice (a street)
- Themes: Friendship, Love
- Characters: Salerio and Solanio
- Salerio and Solanio reveal pertinent plot information that occurred offstage – Bassanio and
Gratiano are on their way to Belmont.
- Shylock, learning that Jessica has stolen from him, suspects that Jessica and Lorenzo were on
that same ship and calls for the Duke of Venice; someone spotted them on a gondola (not on
the ship) and Antonio reassures the Duke that this is true.
- Solanio mocks Shylock (adding comic relief to the play); Shylock’s attention to the
whereabouts of his ducats and jewels suggests that his fortune, and not his daughter, is most
important to him.
- Salerio reveals that an Italian ship sank in the English channel and he hopes that it is not
Antonio’s cargo; they plan to tell Antonio about this plight but will cheer him up first.
- Salerio and Solanio recount the emotional farewell between Antonio and Bassanio as
Bassanio set sail.
2. How does this scene explore the theme of friendship?
 Both Antonio and Bassanio show consideration for the other however Antonio shows this
to a greater extent, as he requests that Bassanio avoid worrying about the bond.
o Bassanio told him he would make some speed
Of his return: he answer’d, ‘Do not so;
Slubber not business for my sake, Bassanio,
o
o
o
o
o
But stay the very riping of the time;
And for the Jew’s bond which he hath of me,
Let it not enter in your mind of love:
Be merry, and employ your chiefest thoughts
To courtship and such fair ostents of love.’ (2.8.37-44)
Antonio’s insistence that Bassanio focus on the courtship to Portia and avoid
worrying about the bond demonstrates Antonio’s genuine care for his best friend.
He wants Bassanio to remain calm and joyful in order to achieve Bassanio’s goal
in Belmont. Antonio’s selflessness reveals his true loyalty to Bassanio.
And even there, his eye being big with tears,
Turning his face, he put his hand behind him,
And with affection wondrous sensible
He wrung Bassanio’s hand; and so they parted. (2.8.46-49)
Antonio shows his sensitivity and gentleness. In fact, earlier Salerio says, “a
kinder gentleman treads not the earth” (2.8.35).
“I think he only loves the world for him” (2.8.50).
Solanio’s comment suggests that Antonio only cares about his life because
Bassanio is a part of it.
3. What new information is revealed about the ships? How can this prove to be
problematic for Antonio?
 in the narrow seas that part / The French and English, there miscarried / A vessel of our
country richly fraught” (2.8.28-30).
o A ship carrying rich cargo sank
o This could be Antonio’s merchandise
o In light of recent events, Shylock may not be understanding to Antonio’s plight
Scene Nine
1. Summarize the scene.
- Setting: Belmont (a room in Portia’s house) * FURTHER DEVELOPS THE CASKET PLOT
- Themes: Love, Appearance versus Reality
- Characters: Portia, Prince of Arragon
- The audience learns more about the conditions of the lottery: participants are bound by oath to
never reveal to anyone any details about their chosen casket and leave Belmont immediately if
they fail.
- The Prince of Arragon dismisses the lead and silver caskets; he chooses the silver casket
(incorrect)
- Bassanio arrives at Belmont; both Portia and Nerissa hope that Bassanio will choose correctly
2. Is Arragon’s reasoning different from that of Morocco in Act 2.7? Given Portia’s
father’s intention that the lottery be a test of character, who is more worthy? Why?
 Both Morocco and Arragon believe they deserve and are worthy of Portia
o Morocco – 2.7.31-34
o Arragon – 2.9.30-32
 Perhaps Morocco is a better suitor because he at least chooses gold because he
believes that it is worthy or Portia
 Arragon dismisses gold because he wants to distinguish himself from common men
(arrogance)
3. Using the character traits you have compiled for Bassanio thus far in the play,
decide whether or not he will choose correctly. Give valid reasoning for your
response.
No because …
Wasteful, irresponsible


He needs money (has wasted fortune);
therefore, he may be drawn to the gold
or silver caskets
He does not appear to truly love Portia
(they hardly know one another); he
may not be willing to hazard all for her
Yes because …
Loyal (to Antonio)

He may choose lead and hazard all as
Antonio has done for him so that the
trip (and Antonio’s money) is not
wasted