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The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare -- Act 4, Scene 2 -- Summary and Analysis

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Summary Portia and Nerissa plan to return home straightaway before their husbands return. Gratiano however catches up with them and invites them to dinner. Portia accepts the ring, turns down the invitation and asks Gratiano to show Nerissa to Shylock's house. Finally, Nerissa plans to make Gratiano give her his ring too as a sign of gratitude. Main events Portia accepts Bassanio's ring from Gratiano Nerissa plans to get Gratiano's ring Gratiano will show Nerissa to Shylock's house Participating Characters Nerissa Portia Gratiano Response/ discussion The copycat ring. A metaliterary comment perhaps about repetitiveness of art or lack of imagination? 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. 

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare -- Act 4, Scene 1 -- Summary and Analysis

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Summary They are in court. The Duke expresses pity for Antonio because he is up against Shylock who is monstrous. The Duke has tried to convince Shylock not to take the bond but he insisted. Shylock enters. The Duke tells him they all hope that he will remove the bond at the last minute in a show of mercy. Shylock replies that he intends to exact the bond, and that if the duke cancels it, it collides with freedom of trade. He says that the reason is no more than hatred for Antonio. Antonio says arguing with Shylock is futile because cruelty is in his nature. He asks the duke to hasten his sentence. Bassanio offers more money and Shylock refuses. Shylock points out that he has a right to Antonio's flesh just as they have a right to retain their slaves – both are property. Antonio expresses love for Bassanio. Nerissa enters with a letter from Doctor Bellario. More Shylock bashing ensues. The Duke reads the letter, in which Bellario recommends Balthazar as a doctor. Portia enters, dis

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare -- Act 3, Scene 5 -- Summary and Analysis

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Summary Lancelot tells Jessica that as children are punished for the sins of their children, her one hope is to be her father's bastard. Jessica points out that if this indeed is the case then she will be punished for her mother's adultery, so she is doomed either way. She says she will be saved by her husband who has made her a Christian. Lancelot is cheeky to Lorenzo and frustrates him. Lorenzo asks Jessica how she likes Portia. Jessica replies that a lot. Lorenzo fishes for compliments a little and they go to dinner. Main events Lancelot and Jessica conclude that Jessica is doomed to be punished for her parents' sins Jessica says she will be saved by marrying Lorenzo Participating Characters Lancelot Jessica Lorenzo Analysis and Discussion Faulty logical connector in the sentence LAUNCELOT Yes, truly; for, look you, the sins of the father are to be laid upon the children: therefore, I promise ye, I fear you. I was always plain with you, and so now I speak my agitation of

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,   JE

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

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Summary Shylock and Antonio are at the jail, apparently. Shylock is obsessed with having his bond, and won't let Antonio say a word. Antonio is to pay his bond on the morrow and hopes Bassanio will be there. Main events Shylock is in jail and is to pay his bond the next day Participating Characters Shylock Solanio Antonio Jailer Response/ discussion ANTONIO Well, jailer, on. Pray God Bassanio come 35 To see me pay his debt, and then I care not. He really loves Bassanio- wants to see him on his deathbed.   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

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare -- Act 3, Scene 2 -- Summary and Analysis

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Summary We are in Belmont. Portia is fond of Bassanio and asks him not to choose caskets so she doesn't risk losing his company. He professes his love. She doubts him and he reassures her. He begs to choose because he feels tortured not knowing his future. He muses on the falseness of appearances, and on the misleading quality of ornaments. For this reason, he rejects the gold and silver caskets. He is moved by the lead casket and chooses it. Portia feels overwhelmed with happiness. Bassanio finds Portia's portrait in the casket, which means he gets her. They are both ecstatic. She says she wishes she were better for him, and also that he had better not leave her. He replies that he never will. Nerissa and Gratiano both congratulate the happy couple. Gratiano and Nerissa announce their intention to marry too. Lorenzo, Jessica and Salerio enter. Portia welcomes them. Salerio brings Bassanio a letter from Antonio. The letter reads that Antonio has lost all of his ships. Salenio r