The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare -- Act 3, Scene 4 -- Summary and Analysis
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, ...