"Back at Belmont, the Prince of Morocco prepares to choose a casket. He appeals to Portia not to judge him by his dark appearance."
" "
"*Scene 1 - Commentary"
"A very short scene inserted to keep the casket plot fresh in our minds while events in Venice are developing."
" "
"Notice the many words and phrases relating to chance or fortune, as well as the reference to the story of Hercules gambling with his servant."
" "
"Some pointers here too, to the theme of prejudice."
7
"*Scene 2"
"Shylock's servant Launcelot Gobbo wants to leave his present employer and serve Bassanio."
"On the street, he meets his own father, whose sight is poor and so does not recognize him."
"The old man is cruelly teased when his son tells him Launcelot is dead. However he soon confesses his joke."
" "
"Bassanio agrees to employ Launcelot. He is making plans for a grand feast before leaving for Belmont."
"Gratiano asks to accompany Bassanio, and is granted his wish provided he behaves in a more serious and quiet manner."
5
"*Scene 2 - Commentary"
"This is largely a comic scene - another contrast. Shakespeare included humorous scenes in all his plays, even the tragedies."
"Notice that Launcelot's humour is both intentional (as when he plays the trick on his father), and unintentional (as when he makes foolish mistakes with the meanings of words)."
" "
"We also see some development in the character of Shylock ('...the very devil incarnation...') and Bassanio, who is already spending large amounts of the newly borrowed money."
7
"*Scene 3"
"Jessica, Shylock's daughter, bids farewell to Launcelot, who has helped to make her life tolerable in Shylock's miserable household."
"She also gives him a ducat and asks him to pass a letter to Lorenzo. She then reveals that she is planning to become a Christian and marry Lorenzo."
" "
"*Scene 3 - Commentary"
"Another very short scene which introduces yet another strand of plot - the elopement of Lorenzo and Jessica."
"Shakespeare shows that even Shylock's family is abandoning him now, leaving him increasingly isolated from the other characters in the play."
6
"*Scene 4"
"Elsewhere in Venice, Lorenzo and his friends are preparing for the evening's celebrations."
"Launcelot delivers Jessica's letter, and returns with Lorenzo's message to Jessica. Lorenzo reveals the plan for the elopement to Gratiano, including the idea of disguising Jessica as a page-boy."
" "
"*Scene 4 - Commentary"
"One of a series of short scenes which all help to move the action of the play forward swiftly."
7
"*Scene 5"
"Despite saying earlier that he would not eat with Christians, Shylock accepts Bassanio's invitation to supper."
"He tells Jessica to close up the house and ignore the masquers. Launcelot, however, passes her Lorenzo's message that he will soon be there."
" "
"*Scene 5 - Commentary"
"Yet another short scene. This one has elements of dramatic irony as Shylock warns Jessica about the masquers, while we are aware that she is eagerly awaiting their arrival to escape."
"Shylock's destructive character is shown by his desire to help ruin Bassanio by eating at his expense."
7
"*Scene 6"
"Lorenzo joins Gratiano and Salerio who have been waiting for him outside Shylock's house."
"Jessica comes to the window and passes out a casket filled with money and jewels. She takes even more money before leaving the house disguised as a page-boy."
"They are about to leave for the feast when Antonio arrives to say that the wind has changed and Bassanio intends to sail straight away."
" "
"*Scene 6 - Commentary"
"Shakespeare swiftly wraps up the minor sub-plot of Lorenzo and Jessica. Notice how he links it to Bassanio and thus the other plots."
8
"*Scene 7"
"The Prince of Morocco makes his choice of the three subtly worded caskets."
"His pride in his achievements and his belief that he has 'a golden mind' leads him to choose the gold casket, and to be disappointed."
"He takes his leave trying to hide his bitter disappointment."
" "
"*Scene 7 - Commentary"
"The casket plot is re-introduced. Morocco is misled by the golden appearance of the casket."
"We see again Portia's racial prejudice."
8
"*Scene 8"
"Salerio and Solanio discuss the latest news in Venice; Shylock is furious that Jessica has run off with his jewels and money, and with a Christian what's more."
"There is also news of a ship wrecked in the English Channel, which may be very bad news for Antonio."
" "
"*Scene 8 - Commentary"
"We are brought up to date on events in Venice in this short scene. The open prejudice of the Venetians towards Shylock is shown by their gloating about his misfortune."
"And we are given a hint that the bond will be forfeited, raising suspense in the bond plot."
"N.B. the touching scene of Bassanio and Antonio's parting."
8
"*Scene 9"
"It is the Prince of Arragon's turn to choose a casket, and he too goes astray."
"He shows more wisdom than Morocco by not trusting in appearances, but is fooled by his own high opinion of himself into choosing the silver casket."
"The Prince leaves Belmont in anger and hurt pride."
" "
"*Scene 9 - Commentary"
"The two wrong choices made by the Princes, of course set up the scene for Bassanio's success."
"The Prince's name gives a strong clue to his arrogant nature. He fails in his choice because he over-values his own worth, assuming that he deserves to win Portia."
