The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare -- Act 3, Scene 1 -- Summary and Analysis

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Summary

Salarino and Solanio discuss gossip that they heard of one of Antonio's ships capsizing. Shylock enters. He mourns his daughter's behavior and the other two mock him. The subject changes to Antonio's losses. Shylock assures them that he will take Antonio's flesh if only for revenge for all the ridicule he endured from Antonio (if you prick us speech).

Tubal, another Jew, enters and informs Shylock he couldn't find Jessica, though he heard of her. Shylock says he'd rather have her dead, with the jewels she stole, in his presence than alive with the diamonds elsewhere (with a Christian is implied, I think). Tubal has heard that she spends money recklessly and this scandalizes Shylock. Tubal also brings news that a ship of Antonio's has wrecked, and Shylock rejoices.


Main events

  • Shylock says he will be taking the pound of flesh for revenge
  • Jessica is rumored to be spending a lot
  • Antonio's ships are rumored to have sunk


Participating Characters

  • Salarino
  • Solanio
  • Shylock
  • Tubal


Response/ discussion

SHYLOCK I say my daughter is my flesh and my blood. 30

SALARINO There is more difference between thy flesh and hers than

between jet and ivory; more between your bloods than there is between red wine and Rhenish.


Shylock isn't so bad, because even though he and Jessica appear different, they are one and the same (or else there is the implication that Jessica is a bastard)


SHYLOCK If a Jew wrong

a Christian, what is his humility ? Revenge.


Christians must be humble- that is, not hold a grudge- whereas Jews are not forgiving and seek revenge



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



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