The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare -- Act 2, Scene 9 -- Summary and Analysis
Summary We are in Belmont. The prince of Arragon has come to choose a casket. He chooses the silver. It's wrong, and he leaves. A messenger enters and announces Bassanio's arrival. Main events The prince of Arragon chooses the silver casket and leaves Bassanio's arrival is announced Participating Characters Portia Nerissa Prince of Arragon Messenger Response/ discussion P O R T I A Thus hath the candle singed the moth. O, these deliberate fools! When they do choose They have the wisdom by their wit to lose. 80 NERISSA The ancient saying is no heresy: 'Hanging and wiving goes by destiny.' Destiny and free will… Table of Contents: The Merchant of Venice -- Summary and Analysis Act 1 Scene 1 , Scene 2 , Scene 3 Act 2 Scene 1 , Scene 2 , Scene 3 , Scene 4 , Scene 5 , Scene 6 , Scene 7 , Scene 8 , Scene 9 Act 3 Scene 1 , Scene 2 , Scene 3 , Scene 4 , Scene 5 Act 4 Scene 1 , Scene 2 Act 5 Scene 1 The Merchant of Venice. Image source