"In Venice, the Court meets to hold Antonio's trial. The Duke presides over the court, and he begins by sympathising with Antonio."
"Shylock enters, and the Duke asks him to show mercy, but he remains obstinate, and engages in an angry exchange of words with Bassanio."
"Antonio seems resigned to his fate, but Gratiano shouts fiercely at Shylock on his behalf."
" "
"All is not lost, as Portia is introduced into the court in disguise as Dr Balthasar, a young lawyer come to represent Antonio. In a beautiful speech, she too pleads with Shylock to show mercy, but he remains stony-hearted."
7
"*Scene 1 (Cont.)"
"Portia examines the bond and, to Shylock's delight, declares it valid. Antonio prepares to meet his death."
"At the last possible moment, Portia reveals a loophole - the bond only mentions flesh, there is no mention of blood."
"Shylock's cruel joy turns to despair as Portia presses home her advantage - he has plotted against the life of a citizen, so his own life lies at the mercy of the Duke."
" "
"Shylock finally leaves the court, a broken man, his life spared, but his wealth gone in fines, and forced to convert to Christianity as a condition of the court."
"Bassanio still fails to recognize his disguised wife who decides to play a trick on him."
9
"*Scene 1 (Cont.)"
"Portia will take no payment for saving the life of Antonio except Bassanio's wedding ring."
"Bassanio is reluctant to part with the ring, but under Antonio's persuasion, he finally agrees to it."
" "
"*Scene 1 - Commentary"
"This scene marks the climax of the play, bringing the Bond plot to a suspenseful and dramatic conclusion."
"It is the most spectacular scene of the play, with the visual finery of the Venetian Court matched by the verbal fireworks."
"It also provides a showcase for all of the main characters to show their worth, especially Portia and Shylock."
"*See Key Scenes for more detail."
6
"*Scene 2"
"As Portia and Nerissa prepare to return to Belmont, Gratiano overtakes them to present Portia with Bassanio's ring."
"Nerissa decides to join in the trick by persuading Gratiano to part with his ring also."
" "
"*Scene 2 - Commentary"
"This scene has little importance except to set up the trick that Portia and Nerissa intend to play on their husbands."
