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