"These notes cover in more detail some of the more important scenes in the play. Scenes discussed are:"
" "
"*1. Act I, Scene 3 - Arranging the Bond"
" "
"*2. Act III, Scene 1 - Shylock pleads for tolerance"
" "
"*3. Act III, Scene 2 - Bassanio chooses"
" "
"*4. Act IV, Scene 1 - The Trial"
" "
"*5. Act V, Scene 1 - Lovers reunited"
6
"*Act I, Scene 3 - Arranging the Bond"
"Here we are introduced to the details of the Bond Plot and also to the character of Shylock."
"The Bond Plot forms the main focus of the whole play, and most of the details are set out here for the first time. The strange terms of the bond are enough to alert the audience that there is trouble in store for Antonio."
" "
"Shylock is a complex character, and this scene gives us a good introduction to him. He is obviously a villain, and his asides to the audience reveal his hatred for Antonio, as well some of his reasons."
"Shakespeare cleverly allows Shylock to gain some sympathy - his reasons for hating Antonio are valid."
8
"*Act I, Scene 3 - Arranging the Bond (Cont.)"
"Meanwhile, our liking for Antonio dims with the revelation of his prejudiced treatment of Shylock."
"Notice that he does not deny this, but actually confirms it:"
"*I am as like to call thee so again..."
" "
"The scene is an important one for the theme of Appearance/Reality (See THEMES)"
"Although both Bassanio and Antonio comment that they are aware of the dangers, neither of them really is awake to the true nature of Shylock's hatred."
"They become so involved in arguing against Shylock's pretended reluctance and assume forgetfulness, that the details of the bond slip past them almost unnoticed."
6
"*Act I, Scene 3 - Arranging the Bond (Cont.)"
"The religious aspect of the gap between Shylock and the other two men is emphasised by his reference to the biblical story of Jacob."
"You will find many other references to the Bible in the play."
" "
"Notice also Shylock's reference to 'feeding' his grudge against Antonio. This adds a new meaning to his later greeting"
"*Your worship was the last man in our mouths."
7
"*Act III, Scene 1 - Shylock pleads for tolerance"
"Together with the scene discussed above, this scene raises our sympathy for Shylock. Later in the play, all sympathy is removed as his cruel demands for vengeance increase."
"Firstly, Solanio and Salerio taunt Shylock about the elopement of his daughter. Next, Shylock, in a great speech, shows the total injustice of the prejudice against his race."
" "
"Having shown that Jews and Christians are alike in all physical respects, he claims the right to revenge just as a Christian would."
" "
"The other side of Shylock's nature is also shown, however, as he curses his daughter, and bemoans the loss of his riches."
5
"*Act III, Scene 1 - Shylock pleads for tolerance (Cont.)"
"Already in a minority when the play started, Shylock is now further isolated. His daughter has left him, his wife is dead, even his friend Tubal, seems to get a perverse delight out of revealing Jessica's spendthrift escapades."
"In a scene reminiscent of modern-day Good news/Bad news jokes, Tubal alternately tells us of Antonio's bad fortune and the deeds of Nerissa."
" "
"The scene also contains important plot development of course. This is the first confirmation we have that Antonio is in serious trouble."
9
"*Act III, Scene 2 - Bassanio chooses"
"A largely happy scene, in contrast to the previous one discussed above."
"The characters of Portia and Bassanio are more fully revealed here. Portia's words show that the self-confidence and poise she exhibited before are now gone, in the face of real love."
" "
"As noted elsewhere (See MODEL ESSAY), Bassanio's character is revealed at its best here, contradicting the earlier impression we had of him. His speech beginning"
"*So may the outward shows be least themselves..."
"is a key to the theme of Appearance/Reality (See THEMES)"
" "
"It is a scene of long speeches. Examine them carefully."
6
"*Act III, Scene 2 - Bassanio chooses"
"As well as Bassanio's speech noted above, note his courtly praise of Portia's beauty on finding her portrait in the casket, and Portia's modest assessment of her own character in reply."
" "
"Structurally, this scene is vital."
"This scene stands at the exact centre of the play and we can see the linkage to all four plots."
"As the Casket plot reaches its climax and virtual conclusion, the Ring plot is quietly introduced. Jessica and Lorenzo arrive to remind us of their love story, and the news of Antonio's failure carries the main story forward."
6
"*Act IV, Scene 1 - The Trial"
"This scene of course contains the climax of the Bond story, the most exciting and dramatic moment in the whole play."
"It is a scene of spectacle on stage, with the appearance of the Duke and the magnificoes and officers of the court in splendid costume."
" "
"The suspense is raised through the several unsuccessful appeals to Shylock's mercy. The tension is tigtened almost to snapping point by Shylock's cruel parading of his knife and his obvious desire to get at Antonio."
"Finally the tension is broken when Portia reveals the loophole she has discovered."
6
"*Act IV, Scene 1 - The Trial"
"Shakespeare uses a number of devices to keep our interest in this scene. The quarrels that break out between Shylock and Bassanio, and Shylock and Gratiano are one example."
"The appearance of Portia and Nerissa in disguise permits the introduction of humour in the form of dramatic irony (See LANGUAGE/IRONY)."
" "
"Our admiration of Portia increases in this scene. Her skill in carrying out her disguised role is superb, and her Mercy speech is one of the finest in Shakespeare."
"At the end of the scene, we see another side of her character as she cheekily asks her husband to part with the ring she had made him swear to keep such a short time before."
6
"*Act IV, Scene 1 - The Trial"
"The other characters fare less well. Gratiano is seen as a vengeful loudmouth, and neither he nor Bassanio is any match for Shylock's sharp wit."
"Antonio shows nobility in his concern for his friend even as he faces death, but is strangely accepting of his own fate."
"Shylock, of course, continues to be stubbornly villainous, although he crumples into a weak shadow of himself once he is thwarted."
" "
"For sheer drama, it is hard to match this scene anywhere."
7
"*Act V, Scene 1 - Lovers reunited"
"This scene may be regarded as an anti-climax after the high drama of the Trial Scene, but it is necessary for the structure and atmosphere of the play."
" "
"The early part of the scene, with its poetic and musical atmosphere, stresses again the difference between the peaceful world of Belmont and the strife taking place in Venice."
" "
"The Ring plot is used to maintain our interest now that the main story is done with."
"Once again, we see Portia's wit and also her tact in knowing just when to stop the joke."
4
"*Act V, Scene 1 - Lovers reunited (Cont.)"
"The beauty and humour of the scene serve as the perfect ending for a comedy, and we note that there is not a single mention of Shylock."
" "
"The presence of all three sets of lovers, also serves to make this a highly suitable conclusion."
