"In Venice the news spreads that one of Antonio's ships has been wrecked. Solanio and Salerio taunt Shylock bitterly about the loss of his daughter."
"In an emotional speech, Shylock expresses his hatred for Antonio and makes a plea for equality between his race and theirs."
" "
"Shylock's friend, Tubal, brings news that another of Antonio's ships has been lost."
"Shylock rejoices at this, although Tubal also reports that he has been unable to trace the fleeing Jessica, who has been liberally spending the money and Jewels she took from Shylock's house."
7
"*Scene 1 - Commentary"
"As usual, Shakespeare uses Salerio and Solanio to bring us up to date with the news outside Venice."
"Their jeering at Shylock is unpleasant, and combined with his powerful speech, rouse much sympathy for his position."
"However, this is balanced by his venom against his own daughter, especially his wish to see her"
"*dead at my foot and the jewels in her ear."
" "
"Even Tubal seems to torture Shylock in this scene, alternating news of Antonio's misfortunes with that of Jessica's prodigality."
7
"*Scene 2"
"Portia tries to delay Bassanio from choosing the caskets (wanting his presence longer), but he insists on taking the gamble at once."
"He reasons his choice aloud, while music plays, before making the correct choice."
" "
"Both Bassanio and Portia express their delight and their love for each other. Gratiano springs a surprise by requesting permission to marry Nerissa."
"Lorenzo, Jessica and Salerio arrive, bringing bad news from Venice, Antonio must forfeit the bond with the cruel Shylock."
"Shocked, Bassanio pauses only to hastily wed Portia before rushing off, with her approval to help Antonio."
6
"*Scene 2 - Commentary"
"Both Portia and Bassanio reveal hidden aspects of their character in this scene. Portia is almost girlish in hiding her true feelings at the start of the scene."
"Bassanio reveals manliness and depth of thought in his determination to choose straight away, and in his reasoning out the right casket."
" "
"Also, both of them reveal true affection for each other once the choice is made."
"It may be felt, however, that Bassanio's love for Antonio is greater than his love for his new wife, since he abandons her to rush to Antonio's side."
7
"*Scene 3"
"Antonio has been arrested and Shylock refuses to even consider anything other than the exact terms of the bond."
"Antonio is now resigned to his imminent death, wishing only to see Bassanio first."
" "
"*Scene 3 - Commentary"
"The Bond plot moves forward once more."
"The cruelty of Shylock is emphasised, as is the calm resignation of Antonio."
8
"*Scene 4"
"Portia asks Lorenzo and Jessica to look after her house as she intends to wait at a monastery for Bassanio's return."
"However, she has other plans afoot, for she sends a servant to a Doctor Bellario in Padua, with instructions to return with letters and clothing."
"Then she tells Nerissa they will see their husbands again soon, but unrecognized, since they will be dressed as men."
" "
"*Scene 4 - Commentary"
"This scene prepares us for the later appearance of Portia and Nerissa in disguise."
"Portia is shown as a dynamic and interesting character, prepared to go to great lengths on Bassanio's behalf."
8
"*Scene 5"
"Launcelot and Jessica have a conversation, enlivened by Launcelot's usual jokes."
"When Lorenzo enters and finally manages to get rid of Launcelot, he and Jessica express their admiration for Portia."
" "
"*Scene 5 - Commentary"
"This scene may seem rather unnecessary, but actually it has two very important purposes, one dramatic and one practical."
"Firstly it serves as an interval, so passing the time between Portia leaving Belmont and arriving in Venice."
"Secondly, and more practically, it affords the actresses playing Portia and Nerissa a chance to change their costumes."
