ESSAY CEMETERY

Summary The scene opens as Shylock and Bassanio negotiate the terms of the loan. Bassanio requests a three-month loan for three thousand ducats for which Antonio is to be the guarantor. Bassanio invites Shylock to dine with them but he refuses for fear of infringing rules of kosher. Antonio enters. Shylock says, aside, that he hates Antonio because he is Christian, and because he lends money with no interest which takes business away from Venetian moneylenders. In addition, Antonio is anti-Semitic and talks shit about Jews, and doesn't think usury is a legitimate occupation. Shylock will lend money from a Jewish friend to complete the loan. Antonio says he usually does not borrow or lend with interest but is willing to make an exception for a friend, out of necessity. There is a lot of tension between Antonio and Shylock. Shylock tells Antonio off for being rude to him and says that he doesn't deserve to be lent money. Antonio replies that lending him money would not be a frien...

Summary Portia says she is weary, and her companion Nerissa comforts her. Portia expresses frustration at the will her father left her. In lieu of choosing a husband, she must marry the man who chooses the correct chest/casket out of three that contain gold, silver, and lead. Portia is not fond of the foolish Neapolitan prince, nor of the too serious County Palatine. She rejects the other suitors for various reasons. She contemplates tricking them into choosing the wrong casket. Nerissa comforts her and says that she need not worry because none of these men are willing to risk the casket test. Nerissa recalls a Venetian scholar/soldier who visited her father once, and he was worthy of a lady. A serving-man enters and announces the arrival of a fifth suitor, the Prince of Morocco.   Main events We meet Portia who will marry the man who chooses the correct casket of three, as dictated by her father's will. Participating Characters Portia Nerissa Servingman Themes Professions of inten...

Summary Antonio is sad, but not sure why. His friend Salarino suggests that he is preoccupied with his trade business and the fate of his ships at sea. Solanio says that he too would be worried in Antonio's stead. Antonio answers that since he does not depend for his success on any one venture, it is not his business that makes him sad. He is not in love, either.  Bassanio, Lorenzo and Gratiano enter and Salanio and Solarino exit. Gratiano expresses concern for Antonio's welfare. Antonio feels doomed to be sad. Gratiano counters this notion of predestination and says he chooses to be a happy fellow, and that people can choose how to be. Gratiano cautions him against being serious and silent just to appear wise. They jest about the value of silence. Gratiano and Lorenzo exit. Bassanio now shares with Antonio that due to his extravagant lifestyle he is direly in debt, mostly to Antonio. Bassanio asks for more money and assistance so that he can regain what he once had. Antonio gl...