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 matter:
therefore be of good cheer, for truly I think you
are damned.

  • Women as property; money lingo when not discussing business

JESSICA

…

Why, if two gods should play some heavenly match
And on the wager lay two earthly women,
And Portia one, there must be something else
Pawn'd with the other, for the poor rude world
Hath not her fellow.



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


The Merchant of Venice. Image source

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