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Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Summary

Setting : Belmont
Characters : Launcelot, Jessica, Lorenzo

Launcelot indulges in some jesting at the expense of Jessica. He says that there is no hope of salvation for her because her father is a Jew. Jessica retorts that she will be saved by her husband’s virtues and by her conversion to Christianity. At this the jester finds fault with Lorenzo in marrying her. In fact, he has done a wrong to the commonwealth of the Christians because by doing so, he has added to the number of pork eaters.

Thus he is responsible for the increase in the prices of pork in the market. Lorenzo arrives on the scene and tells them that if they talk to each other in such an intimate manner, he is bound to suspect that there is something wrong between them. Lorenzo then asks Launcelot to get their dinner ready. When Launcelot uses some words wrongly, Lorenzo calls him stupid. Launcelot, then, leaves to arrange dinner for them. Lorenzo asks Jessica about her opinion about Portia.

Jessica praises Portia for her virtues and says that she is a blessing in Bassanio’s life. Lorenzo, too, praises Bassanio for his goodness and remarks that he is a good husband. Both go to the dining table to continue this discussion about Portia and Bassanio.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Critical Commentary

Lorenzo and Jessica are staying at Portia’s house in Belmont. The scene opens on a humorous note. Launcelot and Jessica converse with each other in a humorous way. Launcelot tells Jessica that she would be damned due to the sins of her father, Shylock. But Jessica retorts that in that case she would be saved by the virtues of Lorenzo. This humorous conversation is meant to amuse the ‘groundlings.’ Jessica’s words of praise for Portia throw more light on the character of Portia.

This scene does not further the action of the play. But it definitely heightens the characters of Portia and Bassanio in the eyes of the readers.

Significance of the Scene

1. This scene is essential to indicate the passage of time to enable Portia to reach Venice.
2. It gives us Jessica’s estimate of Portia.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Glossary

Lines 1-30
agitation : thought
rasher : piece of bacon
corners : privacy
flatly : plainly
wit-snapper : a witty person

Lines 31-50
govern : dominate
better place : better social status
tricksy : tricky
meet : proper

Lines 51-67
pawn’d : pledged
anon : soon
stomach : inclination

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Summary

Setting : Belmont
Characters : Lorenzo, Portia, Nerissa

Lorenzo praises Portia for valuing true friendship by sending her husband to Venice for Antonio’s help without any delay. He says that she will feel pleased with her action since Antonio is really a noble man and a great friend.

Portia says that she knows that the two friends who are deeply attached to each other must be similar in appearance. She does not consider any sacrifice too great for ensuring the safety of a friend like Antonio. She tells Lorenzo that she has told her servants to regard him and Jessica as their masters in her absence. Lorenzo and Jessica agree to look after her house.

Portia asks Balthazar to run to Padua and deliver her letter to Doctor Bellario. She instructs him to bring back with him the documents or clothes that he might give him. When Balthazar leaves, Portia tells Nerissa that they are going to meet their husbands very soon. Nerissa fails to understand what Portia means. Portia explains to Nerissa that they are going to put on male dresses.

She will put on her knife and belt in order to give a look of a smart man. Portia, then, tells Nerissa that she will disclose the whole plan later. She asks her to accompany her to the park gate from where the mail-coach will pick them up to cover a journey of twenty miles.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Critical Commentary

In this scene, we discover new shades in the personality of Portia. So far we have known that she is a woman having all the graceful womanly virtues. But here we find that she is a woman of quick decision and determined action.

The moment she finds that the life of her husband’s friend is in danger, she hastens to Venice with a daring and intelligent plan to save him. This scene has a great significance because it will lead us to the crucial trial scene. Moreover, the presence of all the important characters in Venice will make the union of the main plot and the subplot complete. In this way, Shakespeare achieves complete dramatic unity.

Significance of the Scene

1. This scene reveals Portia’s plan to appear as a judge to defend Antonio.
2. It reveals Portia’s shrewdness as well as generosity.
3. Portia’s courage astonishes Lorenzo

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Glossary

Lines 1-30
conceit : idea
amity : friendship
lineaments : features
semblance : likeness
husbandry : control

Lines 31-60 :
imposition : task
fair : honoured
my people : my servants
fair : happy
imagined : great
traject : ferry

Lines 61-87
habit : dress
accomplished : furnished
accoutred : equipped
grace : dignity
mincing : short, quick
could not do withal : could not help it

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Summary

Setting : Venice
Characters : Shylock, Antonio, Salarino

In this scene, Shylock warns the jailor to keep an eye on Antonio lest he should escape. Shylock blames the jailor for showing leniency to Antonio and allowing him to come out of the prison. Antonio tries to make Shylock see reason but Shylock refuses to listen to him.

He asserts that he will have penalty as mentioned in the bond. Salarino remarks that the Duke will never grant Shylock the permission to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s breast. The cruel nature of the bond will not allow the Duke to grant this justice to Shylock. But Antonio tells Salarino that the Duke will have to grant this justice to Shylock in order to uphold the dignity of the laws of Venice.

Antonio tells Salarino that his worries have weakened his body so much that Shylock will not be able to get one pound of flesh from his body. Antonio expresses his wish to meet Bassanio at the time of his death.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Critical Commentary

The scene shifts back to Venice where Antonio is shown to be in trouble. He has forfeited his bond and is in the clutches of Shylock. Shylock is adamant to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s heart. He wants to take revenge upon Antonio. Shylock is portrayed as a cruel, clever and revengeful Jew. Antonio displays a lot of patience and argues with Shylock to be reasonable and merciful. But Shylock is adamant.

Even the Duke is in a tight corner. The cruel nature of the bond may prevent the Duke from allowing Shylock to cut a pound of flesh. But on the other hand, he is bound by the laws , of Venice. So Shakespeare keeps up sufficient suspense.

Significance of the Scene

1. This scene is another step in the direction of the Trial Scene.
2. Antonio is in Shylock’s grip.
3. Shylocks’s obdurate stance reveals his cruel nature.
4. Antonio extremely frustrated.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Glossary

Lines 1-25
look to him : keep a watch on him
fangs : teeth
fond : foolish
impenetrable : which cannot be satisfied
bootless : useless
forfeitures : penalties

Lines 26-39
commodity : privileges
impeach : deny
bated me : reduced my body (weakened me)
I care not : I do not bother

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Summary

Setting : Belmont
Characters : Portia, Bassanio, Nerissa, Gratiano

This scene, set in Belmont, is quite significant. Portia asks Bassanio to postpone choosing the casket for some time as she would lose him if he were to choose wrong. She says she is half tempted to reveal the secret but she cannot prove false to her oath. Bassanio wants to make the choice because of the torture of suspense. So Portia leads him to the caskets. She arranges for some music. She looks upon Bassanio as her Hercules who will rescue her. She will weep if he fails. If he chooses the right casket, music will form appropriate setting.

Bassanio reads the inscription on the gold casket, after examining all the three caskets. He is not impressed by the inscription. He says to himself that the world has always been deceived by the outward glitter of things. If a thing looks bright, its brightness hides its weakness. So he will not be swayed by the outward glitter of the golden casket and the silver casket. He rejects the golden casket and the silver casket and chooses the lead casket because lead is the most modest looking metal. He, then, opens the lead casket and finds the portrait of Portia in it.

Portia is extremely happy at the right choice made by Bassanio. Bassanio, too, is completely charmed by the portrait of Portia that he found in the casket. Bassanio reads the scroll on which it is written that he should feel contented with Portia and not think of any other woman. The scroll also directs Bassanio to give Portia a kiss and then claim her as his wife.

Portia, then, declares that from now onward Bassanio has become the master of the house and she, too, has become his. property.

She surrenders her body and soul to Bassanio. She will learn from Bassanio and seek his guidance in every respect.

Portia, then, offers Bassanio a ring as a wedding gift. She asks him never to lose it or part with it so long as he is alive. The day she finds the ring missing from his finger, she will presume that he has lost all his love for her. Nerissa and Gratiano congratulate Portia and Bassanio at their success and consequent marriage. Gratiano reveals that while Bassanio had been busy in choosing the right casket, he had been courting Nerissa and that Nerissa had agreed to marry him provided Bassanio chose the right casket and made Portia his wife. Portia asks Nerissa about all this. She tells Portia that it is all true.

At this happy occasion, Salarino arrives and gives a letter to Bassanio. While Bassanio is reading the letter, Portia notices that he is growing paler and therefore she presumes that the letter must be containing some bad news. Portia asks Bassanio that she being half of himself has the right to know the contents of the letter. Bassanio tells her that he had taken a loan from a Jew named Shylock on the surety of his best friend named Antonio. Now his friend has lost all his fortunes and is unable to return the loan to the jew. Therefore, he will have to pay the penalty.

Portia tells Bassanio to take as much money as he wants and go to Venice to save the life of his friend. Salarino tells Bassanio that Antonio has lost all his merchant ships on the sea and is ruined. Shylock has approached the Duke for justice. He demands a pound of flesh from Antonio’s breast as mentioned in the bond. Jessica confirms that Shylock is doing all this to take revenge upon Antonio. Portia, therefore, asks Bassanio to leave for Venice at once. She remarks that during the absence of Bassanio, she and Nerissa will live like maids or widows. Bassanio, then, reads the letter to Portia. Portia asks him to go to Venice to help his friend. Bassanio tells her that he will immediately leave for Venice.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Critical Commentary

The scene makes us tense and curious. The plot here reaches the stage of complication. Herein the
three stories—the bond story, the casket story and Lorenzo-Jessica affair—become one, and Portia takes upon herself to resolve the complication.

Bassanio makes a successful attempt to choose the right casket. Here Shakespeare presents a dramatic irony. By this time the readers know which is the right casket but Bassanio does not know about it. He makes the choice in the right manner. He justifies the expectations of Portia’s late father. He is not fascinated by the external glitter of the gold casket and the silver casket. Like a true lover he is ready ‘to give and hazard all that he hath’. So he chooses the lead casket and finds the portrait of Portia in it. Bassanio and Portia are extremely happy.

But soon the news of Antonio’s losses mars the happy occasion. Salarino arrives and gives a letter to Bassanio. It is written in the letter that Antonio has lost all his merchant ships on the sea and has forfeited the bond. Shylock has approached the Duke and demanded justice. He demands a pound of flesh from Antonio’s breast as mentioned in the bond. Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, confirms that his demand is the outcome of his revengeful motive. We come to know the callous, cruel and revengeful nature of Shylock. Shylock considers it the best opportunity to take revenge upon Antonio. Antonio had been insulting and abusing Shylock. Now he has fallen in Shylock’s trap and Shylock will not allow him to slip away. The main interest of the play will now be on the clever and cunning moves of Shylock.

Significance of the Scene

1. This is the scene where three stories mingle : the bond story, the casket story and the Lorenzo-Jessica episode.
2. Bassanio chooses the right casket. Gratiano and Nerissa want to marry. Lorenzo and Jessica arrive. The news of Antonio’s bad luck comes and overshadows the happy events.
3. The scene is significant for character interest. It sheds light on the characters of both Bassanio and Portia.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Glossary

Lines 1-25
tarry : wait
detain : stop
Beshrew : curse
o’erlook’d : cast a spell
naughty : bad
peize : retard
election : choice
rack : in a state of torture

Lines 26-50
amity : friendly agreement
deliverance : liberation
proper : complete
flourish : notes of trumpets

Lines 51-80
presence : respect
Alcides : Hercules, a great Greek warrior
visages : faces
fancy : love
gazing : glances
gracious : graceful

Lines 81-110
white as milk : coward
excrement : appearance
crisped : curly
guiled : treacherous
drudge : slave

Lines 111-140
allay : decrease
measure : moderation
counterfeit : likeness
sunder : separate
gnats : small insects
shadow : ailment
fair : fortunate

Lines 141-175
giddy : drowsy
account : estimate
livings : wealth
converted : transferred
mansion : big building
presage : foretell

Lines 176-210
oration : speech
solemnize : celebrate
intermission : waiting period
pertains : welcome
falls : turns out

Lines 211-240
infidel : the Jewess
interest : right
entreat : request
nay : no
ope : open

Lines 241-280
fleece : golden fleece
shrewd : sharp
constitution : condition
impart : expressed
merchant-marring : which destroy merchants

Lines 281-337
plies : presses
impeach : oppose in law
magnificoes : noble men
deface : destroy
persuade : urge
despatch : expedite
leave : permission
interposer : separated
twain : two

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Summary

Setting : Venice
Characters : Salarino, Salanio, Shylock, Tubal

Salarino and Salanio stand discussing the latest news on the Rialto. There is a rumour about the loss of one of Antonio’s ships in the English Channel and it has not yet been contradicted. When Shylock appears, Salanio asks him if there is any hews. Shylock remarks peevishly that there is no news except that of his daughter’s flight.

Then Shylock curses his daughter for eloping with a Christian and for robbing him. Salarino’s remark that his daughter being a grown-up woman has left her father provokes Shylock. He further enrages him by saying that Antonio has lost a ship. He (Shylock) swears to exact the full penalty of his bond if Antonio fails to pay back.

When Salarino asks him what he would gain with a pound of human flesh, Shylock replies that it will satisfy his sense of revenge, even if he is to gain nothing materially. At this, Salarino and and Salanio leave Shylock. When Shylock is alone, his friend Tubal, a Jew, appears on the scene. Shylock asks Tubal about his daughter.

Tubal tells him that he could not meet her but he did get some information about her at Genoa. Shylock again curses his daughter and wishes her to be dead and all the gold coins lying with her in the coffin. Shylock curses his ill-luck. Tubal informs him that his daughter squandered away eighty ducats in one night. Shylock is shocked to know from Tubal that Jessica bought a monkey with a diamond ring. He feels miserable and shaken. He is full of despair and sorrow.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Critical Commentary

The scene indicates that Antonio will suffer heavy losses in the days to come. It is becoming certain that Antonio will not be able to pay back the money to Shylock and will have to pay the penalty. On the other hand, Shylock is very angry at the loss of his money and the elopement of his daughter. He has become as merciless as a tigress robbed of her cub.

The reason for his hatred for Antonio is also due to the fact that he had several times intervened to lend money to the helpless debtors and saved them from the clutches of the Jew. Now Antonio has fallen in his trap and he will not allow him to slip away. Shylock reflects that if Antonio is out of his way, he will make huge profits. He is jealous of Antonio’s goodness and kindness. Shylock is expected to be merciless with Antonio and he will take revenge upon Antonio.

Significance of the Scene

1. This scene moves the action to the point of crisis.
2. Shylock openly talks of revenge.
3. The use of prose indicates the holding up of romance for some time.

Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Glossary

Lines 1-25
Rialto : stock exchange
lading : cargo
knapped : nibbled
ship of prolixity : tedious speeches
title : adjective
betimes : in good times
cross : frustrate
wings : dress

Lines 26-40
complexion : nature
jet and ivory : black and white
rhenish : white wine
match : transaction

Lines 41-70
mart : market
usurer : one who gives loan at a very high rate of interest.
thwarted : obstructed /blocked
dimensions : limbs
humility : forbearance
better : improve upon

Lines 71-90
tribe : the Jewish race
would : wish
hearsed : put in coffin
lights : falls
shedding : shedding tears

Lines 91-120
argosy : merchant ship
cast away : wrecked
divers : travellers
plague : persecute
out upon her : shame upon her
turquoise : precious blue stone
fee : engage
synagogue : a Jewish temple

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Summary

Setting : Belmont
Characters : Portia, the Prince of Arragon

This scene is an extension of the casket story. Here we find the Prince of Arragon trying his luck. Portia tells him that if he succeeds in choosing the casket with her picture, she will marry him at once. If he chooses the wrong casket he will have to leave at once without uttering a word. The Prince says that he remembers the three conditions well : that he is not to disclose what choice he has made, that he is not to marry if he chooses the wrong casket, and that he is to leave Belmont at once. Portia tells him that every suitor of hers is obliged to observe these three conditions if he is to try his luck.

The Prince of Arragon rejects the lead casket as he does not want to risk his all for the worthless metal. He, then, reads the inscription on the gold casket.

He thinks that what many men desire to possess may not be desired by him because he does not want to rank himself with the common people. He, then, turns to the silver casket, and reads the inscription which says, “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves”. The inscription appeals to him because he thinks that he deserves the hand of Portia in marriage.

He, then, moralises over the corruption in the world. He says that the most undeserving people occupy high positions whereas the most deserving people act as their subordinates. He, then, selects the silver casket. When he opens it, he finds in it the portrait of a blinking idiot presenting a scroll in which it is written that those who do not think carefully before taking any step in any matter are fooled in life. In the same way, the Prince of Arragon has been fooled.

He, then, thinks that it was foolish on his part to have come to Belmont and try his luck by the caskets. Then he made a fool of himself by choosing a wrong casket. So he, at once, leaves the place. Portia remarks that he has been burnt in the flames like a moth and that she is glad that he has chosen the wrong casket. Nerissa remarks that death and marriage depend on destiny.

At that moment a servant arrives to inform that a messenger has come with greetings and presents. Portia tells Nerissa that she is eager to meet the suitor because he appears to possess decent manners. Nerissa wishes that this suitor may turn out to be Lord Bassanio.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Critical Commentary

We are again taken to Portia’s house in Belmont. The Prince of Arragon makes his choice of the casket. Like the Prince of Morocco, he, too, does not attach any importance to the leaden casket. He, then, examines the golden casket and rejects it too. He selects the silver casket and therein he finds the portrait of .a blinking idiot. So he, too, fails to choose the right casket. So Morocco and Arragon leave the place. It appears that Shakespeare clears the pitch for Bassanio who will soon try his luck.

Significance of the Scene

1. This scene is an extension of the casket story.
2. The Prince of Arragon fails because of his superiority complex.
3. While Morocco has suffered from vanity, Arragon suffers from self-conceit.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Glossary

Lines 1-25
election : choice
enjoin’d : bound
injunctions : conditions
address’d : agreed
multitude : majority
fond : foolish

Lines 26-50
martlet : a bird
title : message
chaff : rubbish

Lines 51-75
pause : halt
blinking : winking
schedule : scroll
offices : duties
amiss : wrong
iws : certainly
sped : over

Lines 76-100
wroth : anger
singed : burned
heresy : rumour
alighted : come
signify : announce
regreets : greetings
courteous breath : words of courtesy
likely : promising
costly : rich
high-day : holiday
post : messenger

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Summary

Setting : Venice
Characters Salarino, Salanio

Salarino and Salanio are found talking to each other. Salarino tells Salanio that Gratiano was present on Bassanio’s ship, but Lorenzo and Jessica were not there in the ship. Salarino tells Salanio that Lorenzo and Jessica went out in a pleasure boat. Salanio tells Salarino that when Shylock came to know about Jessica’s elopement with Lorenzo, he went mad with rage. He shouted, “My daughter! O my Christian ducats!”

Salarino tells Salanio that the street boys considered Shylock mad and threw stones at him. Salanio says that it will cost very dear to Antonio if he is unable to return his money on the appointed day. Salarino says that he has come to know from some Frenchman that Antonio has lost one of his rich merchant ships. Salarino asks Salanio to inform Antonio about this but he should convey this in such a manner that Antonio does not get a shock. Salanio says that Antonio is a very noble soul. Salarino then explains how Antonio took leave of Bassanio. It was a touching scene. Salarino and Salanio go to meet Antonio in order to cheer him up.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Critical Commentary

The scene shifts to Venice again and we come to know about Shylock anger over the elopement of his daughter Jessica with Lorenzo and the loss of his gold coins and jewels. It appears that the loss of gold coins has troubled him more than the elopement of his daughter. It is in this scene that we come to know that Antonio has lost one of his rich merchant ships on the sea. Antonio had hoped that he would be able to pay back Shylock’s loan on the safe arrival of this ship. Though not much is mentioned about it, it suggests possibilities of more losses in the future.

On the other hand, Shylock is mad with rage. It appears that he will take revenge upon Antonio at the first opportunity. The scene is significant because it furthers the action of the play. It also throws more light on the character of Antonio. We come to know about the affectionate nature of Antonio and his friendly love for Bassanio. It appears that Antonio may have to face the trial in the court.

Significance of the Scene

1. It prepares us for the coming events.
2. Rumours about Antonio’s losses are quite suggestive.
3. We also realize Antonio’s great affection for Bassanio.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Glossary

Lines 1-25
outcries : cries of protest
gondola : a long boat in Venice
amorous : loving
certified : assured
outrageous : shocking
stones upon her : stones (gems) with her day

Lines 26-50 : fixed day
reason’d : discussed
narrow seas : the English Channel
fraught : loaded
slubber : spoil
ostents : displays
wrung : shook
quicken : cheer up

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Summary

Setting : Belmont
Characters : Portia, the Prince of Morocco

In this scene, the Prince of Morocco makes an effort to choose the right casket to win the hand of Portia in marriage. He examines the inscriptions on each of the casket and tries to interpret them before choosing one of them.

The inscription on the leaden casket says, “Whoever chooseth me shall give and hazard all he hath”. The Prince thinks that no sensible person will choose such a casket. He, then, reads the inscription on the silver casket. It says, “Whoever chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves”.

The Prince thinks that he deserves Portia more than any other suitor because of his high rank, noble birth, and his great wealth and power. But, then, he argues that silver is ten times inferior to gold and therefore the silver casket cannot contain the portrait of Portia. He, then, examines the golden casket which says, “Who chooseth me shall get what many men desire”.

The Prince believes that the whole world desires to possess Portia. So he thinks that the golden casket contains the portrait of Portia. The Prince, therefore, chooses the golden casket, but when he opens it, he finds an empty human skull holding a roll of paper in which it is written that he who is guided by the glitter of the things is generally deceived.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Critical Commentary

In this scene, we are brought back to the main plot of the story. Jessica’s elopement with Lorenzo is over. Now we are made to see how things are happening in Portia’s house in Belmont. The Prince of Morocco approaches the three caskets of lead, silver and gold and tries to make the right choice. He, like other suitors, soliloquises in front of each casket before choosing one of them. He is conscious of his high rank, noble birth, his great wealth and power and, he therefore chooses the golden casket.

He is attracted by the glitter of the golden casket. But when he opens it, he is disappointed because he finds in it a human skull holding a roll of paper in which it is written that he who is guided by the glitter of things is generally deceived. It is clear that he over-estimated himself. He does not realize that it is the duty of the true lover to ‘give and hazard’. So he chooses the golden casket instead of the ‘leaden casket’ because he is fascinated by the outward glitter of the gold.

Significance of the Scene

1. It moves further the casket story.
2. We learn about the Prince of Morocco and his failure.
3. The scene highlights the importance of the lottery of casket which is, in fact, the test of character.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Glossary

Lines 1-25
discover : reveal
blunt : plain
hazard : risk
withal : with that
survey : read
dross : worthless things
virgin hue : white colour
even : impartial

Lines 26-55
deserving : merit
graved : engraved
shrine : temple
mortal-breathing : human
rib : enclose
cerecloth : a type of shroud

Lines 56-80
insculp’d : stamped
carrion death : hateable skull
scroll : roll of paper
enfold : enclose
suit : pursuit
cold : failed
heat : heat of excitement
frost : cold disappointment
part : depart
riddance : relief

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary

Setting : Venice
Characters : Gratiano, Salarino, Lorenzo, Jessica.

Wearing masks, Gratiano and Salarino wait in a street for Lorenzo who is late. They feel that it is strange on the part of Lorenzo to be late as all lovers reach before time to honour their commitments to their beloveds.

Gratiano remarks that one does not have much appetite after having one’s meal as a horse does not have as much energy after the journey as he has before. Similarly a ship loses its magnificence after it has completed its voyage. Gratiano gives these illustrations to prove that the eagerness of a husband for his wife is not as keen as that of a lover for his beloved.

Lorenzo arrives and apologizes for being late. He assures them that he, too, would wait for them whenever the opportunity arose. They reach near Shy lock’s house and find Jessica in the balcony. She tells Lorenzo that she feels shy in boy’s clothes. She asks Lorenzo to hold the bag containing gold coins and jewels. When Lorenzo tells her that she is to be his torch-bearer in the masquerade, she feels embarrassed because a torch-bearer is exposed to light.

Lorenzo tells Gratiano that they both are faithful and sincere to each other. At that moment Antonio arrives there and accuses Gratiano for being late at the dinner. Antonio tells them that there will be no masquerade because they are very late. Moreover the wind is favourable and Bassanio is eager to sail off. Gratiano does not get disappointed because he, too, will sail off from Venice.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Critical Commentary

The story of the sub-plot has moved further. Jessica is ready to elope with Lorenzo. Bassanio’s ship is ready to move. Lorenzo and Jessica, it becomes clear later, go to Belmont on their own. They do not go along with Bassanio in his ship. Had they done this foolish act, they would have been caught as Shylock gets Bassanio’s ship searched on the Duke’s order. Now we find how the sub-plot is being linked with the main-plot.

Significance of the Scene

1. The events of this scene take place on the same evening as those of scenes 4 and 5. The time is 9 pm.
2. Lorenzo and Jessica’s elopement is frightening. Shylock becomes a real victim.
3. The Christians are blind to what they are doing to Shylock.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Glossary

Lines 1-25
pen-house : shelter
out-devels his : late-past the appointed
hour : hour
holds : applies
untread : retrace
younker : smart boy
prodigal : spendthrift
scarfed : with flags
baggar’d : made poor
strumpet : harlot
abode : wait

Lines 26-50
albeit : although
exchange : changed dress
Cupid : god of love
obscured : hidden
garnish : dress

Lines 51-70
beshrew : curse
mates : companions
fie : shame
presently : soon

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary, Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary

Setting : Venice
Characters : Shylock, Jessica, Launcelot

Shylock is shouting for Jessica. He is telling Launcelot that when he goes to serve Bassanio, he will find the difference between his old master and the new master. He has been eating and drinking a lot at his house. He may not be able to do so in Bassanio’s house.

When Launcelot also calls for Jessica loudly, Shylock takes offence at it. Launcelot remarks humorously that he wanted to show that he could call for Jessica without being asked by Shylock to do so.

Jessica enters and Shylock gives the keys of the house to Jessica and tells her to keep all the doors and windows closed. He asks her to do so because he does not want the rowdy crowd in the streets to see her. He tells her that he does not want to leave her alone in the house, but he has to go to attend the dinner at Bassanio’s place merely to waste Bassanio’s money.

Launcelot, in the meanwhile, gives a hint to Jessica that Lorenzo will be coming to meet her at the appointed time when Launcelot leaves the place. Shylock tells his daughter that he is happy that Launcelot is joining the service of Bassanio. He will eat, drink and sleep there and ruin his new master. He again tells Jessica to keep the doors and windows closed because if due care is taken about things, they become secure. After Shylock leaves the house,

Jessica says to herself that if luck favours her, she will elope with Lorenzo. She will lose a father and Shylock will lose a daughter.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Critical Commentary

This scene carries forward the sub-plot of the story. Shylock leaves the house in order to have dinner with Bassanio. Jessica is left alone in the house. She gets an opportunity to elope with Lorenzo. Lorenzo and his friends are planning to bring out a masque. This masque will help Jessica to elope with Lorenzo. Jessica who is in love with Lorenzo is shown as a bold girl. On the other hand, Shylock is shown as a mean, calculating and clever character. He looks on everything with suspicion. In fact, this scene is a continuation of the last two scenes.

Significance of the Scene

1. It prepares ground for Jessica’s elopement.
2. It also throws light on Shylock’s suspicious and miserly nature.
3. We learn of Launcelot’s character from Shylock’s point of view.

Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Glossary

Lines 1-25
gormandise : eat greedily
rend : wear out
bidding : order
bid forth : invited
loath : unwilling
a-brewing : mischief in the air
reproach : (here) ‘approach’

Lines 26-58
conspired : planned
Black Monday : Easter Monday
vile-squealing : shrill notes
fife : flute
clamber : climb up
casements : windows
varnish’d : painted
shallow foppery : foolish display
offspring : child
patch : fellow (Launcelot)
drones : idlers
hive : live
stale : old-fashioned
thrifty mind : careful person