The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare -- Act 3, Scene 4 -- Summary and Analysis

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Summary

Belmont. Lorenzo praises Portia for her strength of character in being calm despite Bassanio's leaving right after their marriage. He praises her for giving money to release Antonio. She says he's a good man and it's well worth it. She tells Jessica and Lorenzo that she and Nerissa will stay at a monastery until the men return.

Portia asks Balthazar to take a letter to the ferry that leaves for Venice, and tells him that she will arrive even before he does. She tells Nerissa that they will go to Venice dressed as men and meet up with their husbands. Portia says she will practice being a swaggering braggart man-boy. They leave hastily.


Main events

  • Lorenzo praises Portia for giving Bassanio money
  • Portia tells Jessica and Lorenzo she and Nerissa will stay at a monastery while their husbands are gone
  • Portia tells Balthazar she plans to go to Venice
  • Portia tells Nerissa of the plan to go to Venice dressed as men


Participating Characters

  • PORTIA, 
  • NERISSA, 
  • LORENZO, 
  • JESSICA, and
  • [BALTHAZAR] 


Analysis and Discussion

  • Like As You Like It- Rosalind and Celia

PORTIA

They shall, Nerissa; but in such a habit,
That they shall think we are accomplished
With that we lack. I'll hold thee any wager,
When we are both accoutred like young men,
I'll prove the prettier fellow of the two,
And wear my dagger with the braver grace,
And speak between the change of man and boy


Table of Contents: The Merchant of Venice -- Summary and Analysis


The Merchant of Venice. Image source

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