THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
I. Exposition
A. Time - The Merchant of Venice was set in the Elizabethan/Renaissance period.
B. Place - The play was set in two places, Venice and Belmont. Venice was where the law was upheld, and Belmont was the city of love.
C. Preliminary Situations - In Belmont, the situation involves Portia, the rich and beautiful heiress to a large sum of money. Her father died and has stipulated in his will that there will be three caskets, gold, silver, and lead, and any suitors who seek for Portia's hand in marriage must choose the correct casket.
In Venice, Antonio's preliminary situation is that we learn that he has all his money invested in argosies, or merchant ships.
II. A. Initial Incident
Act 1, Scene 1
Antonio, Solanio, and Salerio start off the play by discussing Antonio's woes. Salerio and Solanio suggest that Antonio is melancholy because all his money is invested in argosies (merchant ships), and at any time, those ships could be wrecked. Antonio disputes that, so Solanio offers the suggestion that Antonio is in love, which he also disputes. The cause for Antonio's depression is left lingering in the air, and we never find out why he is that way, though it sets Antonio's somber mood throughout the rest of the play. Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Gratiano then enter, while Salerio and Solanio leave. Gratiano has his own theory to account for Antonio's unhappiness; Antonio is trying to gain a reputation for being wise. Lorenzo points out that Gratiano is all talk with no substance. Gratiano and Lorenzo leave, leaving only Antonio and Bassanio. Bassanio, already in debt, asks of Antonio to lend him some more money to court Portia, a beautiful and fair woman in Belmont. It is obvious that Antonio and Bassanio are dear friends, and Antonio is more than willing to lend Bassanio the money. However, since all of Antonio's money is invested in argosies at sea, he has to borrow money in Venice under his name to furnish Bassanio's needs. The primary initial incident is that Bassanio asked Antonio for money.B. Rising Action
Act 1, Scene 2
Portia is discussing with her servant, Nerissa, about how she is depressed. Portia's father stipulated in his will about how she may marry; suitors must pick from three caskets of gold, silver, and lead, and whoever picks the one which bears Portia's portrait may marry her. Portia is melancholy because she can't pick who she wants to marry, or conversely, decide who she doesn't want to marry. Portia is going over the list of second-rate suitors who have come so far; a Neopolitan prince who talks only of his horse; the depressing County Palatine; the boastful Monsieur Le Bon; Falconbridge, the young baron of England who doesn't speak any of the same languages as Portia; the weak Scottish lord; and the drunken German. Portia and Nerissa then recall a Venetian man "worthy of thy praise," named Bassanio. A servingman then enters and tells them that the Prince of Morocco has arrived, ready to choose a casket, much to Portia's dismay.Act 1, Scene 3
Bassanio asks Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, for three thousand ducats, under Antonio's name. Shylock asks to speak to Antonio. On a side note, Shylock notes of the hatred between himself and Antonio. Antonio is a Christian, and Shylock a Jew, which has caused tension between them. In addition, Shylock considers Antonio his business rival, because Antonio lends money out free of interest. This detracts from business from Shylock, since he loans money out at high interest. Shylock then is brought back to reality, and notes that Antonio has good credit. However, since all his money is dependent on argosies abroad, his financial situation is a bit unstable. Shylock also wonders why he should lend money to Antonio, since he hates him so much. Antonio tells Shylock to lend him the money as an enemy, not as a friend, and to implement a penalty in case he is unable to repay the money. Shylock agrees to lend three thousand ducats for three months, if Antonio signs a bond to let Shylock cut off a pound of flesh anywhere he chooses from Antonio, should he be unable to pay. They both agree to these terms, but Bassanio is uneasy. He distrusts Shylock, but Antonio reassures him that his ships will return before the given date.Act 2, Scene 1
The Prince of Morocco arrives in Belmont to choose a casket. He makes a foul first impression on Portia, bragging about his sexual escapades. He then says he would give it all up to win her. Portia, unimpressed, tells the Prince that if he chooses wrong, he must forever remain unmarried. The Prince accepts this term, and Portia tells him he will have his choice of a casket after dinner.Act 2, Scene 2
This scene opens with Launcelot Gobbo, a servant of Shylock, contemplating whether or not to flee his master in search of a new one. His conscience tells him to stay, while his "fiend" (a devilish anti-conscience) tells him to leave. Launcelot the Clown gives more preference to the fiend and decides to run. After making his decision, he is approached by his father, Old Gobbo, who is almost blind. His father asks for directions to Shylock's house, and inquires whether his son is with him. Launcelot decides to play a little joke on his father. He gives him confusing directions, and tells him that his son, Launcelot, is dead. He becomes upset when it is apparent that his father doesn't realize he is being fooled around with, and confesses the truth. His father comes bearing a gift for Shylock, to which Launcelot asks to give to Bassanio instead. Bassanio enters with Leonardo and a few followers, and Launcelot and his father plead for him to take Launcelot into employment. Bassanio said Shylock offered him Launcelot, and he accepted, and took the gift of a dish of doves as well. Gratiano then enters and asks Bassanio if he can accompany him to Belmont. Bassanio hesitates a bit, calling him wild, rude, and bold, and is afraid that he will embarrass them in front of Portia. Gratiano promises to be proper and civil, so Bassanio agrees.Act 2, Scene 3
Jessica and Launcelot are talking, and Jessica is expressing sorrow over Launcelot's decision to leave. She gives him a ducat for himself, and a letter to give to Lorenzo. After Launcelot leaves, Jessica reveals that she plans to marry Lorenzo and become a Christian.Act 2, Scene 4
Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salerio, and Solanio discuss plans for a masque, and decide to slip away from Bassanio's house and arrive in disguise with a torchbearer, when Launcelot enters, bearing a note for Lorenzo. He reads it, and tells Launcelot to tell Jessica that he won't fail her. After Salerio and Solanio leave, Lorenzo tells Gratiano that Jessica will furnish herself with gold and jewels and will be their torchbearer.Act 2, Scene 5
Shylock tells Jessica that he has accepted Bassanio's invitation to dinner (the invitation was sent through Launcelot). Shylock warns Jessica to lock up the doors and guard the house well, because he had a feeling something bad was going to happen that night. Launcelot gave Jessica an oblique message (so her father wouldn't catch on to it) to ignore her father's warnings, and to expect Lorenzo that night. After Launcelot leaves, Shylock says he was lazy, and he is glad to part with him.Act 2, Scene 6
Gratiano and Salerio, disguised with masks, await for Lorenzo near Shylock's house. Lorenzo arrives, and calls for Jessica, who comes dressed in boy's clothing. Jessica is ashamed of her appearance and for looking like a boy, but Lorenzo assures her that he loves her even in her boy's clothes. Jessica goes back to endow herself with more ducats, then Lorenzo and Salerio takes her away. Antonio arrives then, and tells Gratiano that because the wind changed and Bassanio plans on leaving for Belmont right away, Gratiano must go with him right away. Therefore, the masque is cancelled, since Gratiano was the one giving it.Act 2, Scene 7
The Prince of Morocco is reading the inscriptions on the caskets. He immediately decides that the correct casket could not possibly be the lead one, but stops at the silver one for a moment, which reads "Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves," and the Prince said that he deserved Portia. He re-examined the gold one, which read "Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire," and exclaimed that the whole world desires Portia. He chooses the golden casket, which bears a skull and a scroll saying he chose incorrectly. In accordance with the stipulations her father set forth in his will, he left immediately after choosing. Portia is glad he's gone and hopes no other suitors with his dark complexion come along.Act 2, Scene 8
Salerio and Solanio talk about what's been happening. They say that Shylock was outraged when he found out Jessica eloped, and he was particularly upset over the loss of his ducats. Salerio recalls a conversation he had with a Frenchman who informed him that some of Antonio's ships had been miscarried, and they worry about Antonio's financial condition. Solanio mentions at the end of the act that he thinks Antonio only loves the world because of Bassanio, and that there is no one kinder and more devoted than him.Act 2, Scene 9
Nerissa tells Portia that the Prince of Arragon has agreed to the terms of choosing a casket, and is ready to pick. He contemplates a little, then decides that the silver casket is the most reasonable, because he is sure he deserves Portia. After unlocking the casket, he pauses and is upset to find a picture of a blinking idiot and a letter saying he was a fool. Portia is, once again, relieved to see the suitor go. A messenger then arrives and tells Portia that there is a Venetian who wants to take the oath, who bears valuable gifts. Portia says that the suitor must be related to the messenger, because he speaks so highly of him, but Nerissa hopes that it is Bassanio.Act 3, Scene 1
Salerio and Solanio start off by talking about how more of Antonio's ships are destroyed. Shylock arrives, still ticked off, and learns from them that Antonio's ships are in bad condition. This news cheers him up a bit, and he relishes in the knowledge that he will have his bond. Salerio asks him what good Antonio's flesh will do, and Shylock replies that it will serve as revenge for all the wrongs Antonio has done to him. Salerio and Solanio leave as Tubal arrives. Shylock asks him if he found Jessica, and expresses grief over the loss of his ducats when Tubal responds that he didn't find her. Tubal neutralizes Shylock's problems by telling him of other men's "ill luck," that another one of Antonio's ships was destroyed. Shylock is once again elated, and tells Tubal to go find an officer for the day the money is due.Act 3, Scene 2
Portia asks Bassanio to wait a little longer before choosing a casket, because if he chooses wrong, he'll have to leave. Bassanio tells her that he must choose. Portia is distressed and expects the worse, but abides by Bassanio's wish. She asks for music to play while Bassanio chooses, so that if he picks wrong, he can make an elegant, "swanlike" departure, and if he picks correctly, the music will serve as celebration. When Bassanio examines the caskets and makes his decision to pick the lead one, Portia is ecstatic. Bassanio opens the casket and sees Portia's portrait, and a note commanding him to turn to her and "claim her with a loving kiss." He asks for permission to accept his prize, and she consents, saying what is hers is his. She gives him a ring, and tells him never to lose it or give it away, or else he'll be dead in her eyes. Nerissa and Gratiano wish them happiness, and Gratiano confesses that he, too, has fallen in love with Nerissa. They wanted to delay telling them until Bassanio chose the right casket, but since he did, they decide to marry. Gratiano jokingly says to Nerissa that they should make a bet over who will have the first son. Lorenzo, Jessica, and Salerio then enter, and give Bassanio a note from Antonio, saying that all his argosies were destroyed, and he wishes to see Bassanio before his death. Bassanio turns pale, and confesses to Portia that he had borrowed money from his friend to court her, and now the money is due back to Shylock. Portia scoffs at the three thousand ducats due, and offers to pay the debt twenty times over. She encourages Bassanio to go to his friend after they are wed, but then realizes the urgency of the matter and tells him to go right away. Bassanio promises he'll return soon.Act 3, Scene 3
Shylock starts by talking to the jailer, telling him to look at the fool that lends out money gratis. Antonio begs Shylock to let him plead his case, but Shylock is quite adamant that he will have his bond. After he dramatically exists, Antonio comments that Shylock hates him because he saved people who owed him money. Solanio says that he doubts the Duke will uphold the bond, but Antonio disagrees, saying that "The Duke cannot deny the course of law" and that since Venice is a major trading city, if the bond is not upheld, it's economy will suffer. Antonio ends the scene by hoping that Bassanio will arrive.Act 3, Scene 4
Lorenzo tells Portia about how Antonio is much like her husband, and how Antonio is a true gentleman and is worthy of her help. Portia responds that if Antonio and Bassanio are such good friends, they must have similar qualities, and since she is quite fond of Bassanio's qualities, she is as well for Antonio's. She then tells Lorenzo that she and Nerissa will wait in a monastery two miles away, to "live in prayer and contemplation." She asks for Lorenzo and Jessica to watch over her estate, and he abides. After they leave, Portia tells her servant, Balthasar, to deliver a letter to her cousin, Doctor Bellario, and to bring back the clothes and notes that he gives him and to meet them on a ferry to Venice. When Balthasar leaves, Portia tells Nerissa her plan to disguise themselves as men and go to Venice to help their husbands.Act 3, Scene 5
Launcelot and Jessica talk about Jessica's Jewish upbringing. He says he thinks she is truly damned, unless she is not really a Jew's daughter, to which Jessica replies that the "sins of [her] mother should be visited upon" her, instead. Launcelot says that she is damned by both her parents, but Jessica insists she will be saved by being converted to a Christian by her husband. Launcelot jokingly says that the increase of Christians will raise the price of pork, since they are allowed to eat it. Lorenzo enters and asks Launcelot to go and prepare dinner, and after much resistance, Launcelot leaves. Lorenzo asks Jessica what she thinks of Portia, and Jessica expresses high approval of her, and is happy for Bassanio. Lorenzo and Jessica start joking around, and he says he is as good a husband as Portia a wife, and Jessica tells him she'll respond to his claim after dinner.Act 4, Scene 1 (lines 1-229)
Antonio's trial starts in Venice. The Duke apologizes for Shylock's stubbornness, but Antonio responds that he is ready to deal with Shylock's "tyranny and rage." The Duke calls Shylock into the courtroom, and tells him that he thinks he is just keeping up a malicious mannerism and will not actually uphold the bond, since Antonio has already suffered so much. Shylock responds that he really does want his bond, and that he doesn't have to defend himself for wanting it. Bassanio tells Shylock that he is a cold man, and Shylock quips that he is not obligated to please anyone with his answer. Antonio tells Bassanio to give up; that Shylock will not change his answer. Bassanio offers him six thousand ducats instead of the three thousand, and Shylock declines the offer. The Duke asks him how he expects to get any mercy, when he gives none? Shylock tells him that he is doing nothing wrong, so he has no judgment to dread. The Duke says he expects Bellario, a "learned doctor," to arrive. Solanio tells him that a messenger has come from Padua with letters from the doctor. The messenger is actually Nerissa, dressed as a lawyer's clerk, who gives the Duke a letter. Shylock earnestly anticipates the judgment, and Bassanio accuses him of having the soul of a dog. The Duke reads the letter outloud, which says that Bellario is sick, but he has sent Balthasar, a young doctor of Rome, in his place. Portia enters, dressed as Balthasar, and the Duke asks if she knows the case, to which she replies, she does. Portia starts her questioning, and says that Shylock's lawsuit is of a strange nature, and he must be merciful. Portia gives a little speech about how mercy is twice blessed, which Shylock ignores. Portia asks if Antonio is able to pay the bond, and Bassanio replies that he offered to pay it tenfold, and asks Portia to curb the law. Portia tells him that she cannot do so, and Shylock praises her decision and wisdom.C. Climax
Act 4, Scene 1 (lines 230-415)
Portia examines the bond, and says it legally allows Shylock to cut off a pound of flesh near the merchant's heart, and tells Antonio to prepare himself for Shylock's knife. She then asks Shylock if there is a surgeon there to stop his bleeding, so Antonio doesn't die. Shylock asks if it is in the bond, and Portia replies that no, it isn't. Antonio bids farewell, and Bassanio tells him that he would give up his life, his wife, and the world to save him. Gratiano says the same about his wife, which draws ungrateful comments from Portia and Nerissa. Portia says that Shylock can have his pound of flesh, but nothing else; he may not draw any blood, since only flesh is mentioned in the bond. Gratiano mocks Shylock, and praises Portia's decision. Shylock says that he'll take the bond paid three times over, and to let Antonio go, but Portia says that he must have only what is said in the bond. She adds that Venetian law says that any alien who attempts to directly or indirectly take the life of a citizen of Venice must give half of his property to the citizen plotted against, and the other half to the state. The Duke says that half of Shylock's wealth shall go to Antonio, and the other half to the state, but his life shall be spared. Shylock desperately says that they might as well take his life and all his property, because he has nothing now anyway. Antonio offers to give him his estate back, as long as Shylock converts to Christianity, and that when he dies, he leaves all his possessions to his daughter and Lorenzo. Shylock agrees and leaves.The second half of this scene is the climax because when Portia asks Shylock if he has a surgeon ready, it gives a whole different interpretation to the contract; one that acts in Antonio's favor. The play switches perspectives, from having Antonio on the defensive to having Shylock on the defensive.
D. Falling Action
Act 4, Scene 1 (lines 416-473)
The Duke tells Antonio to reward Portia for saving his life, and Bassanio offers to pay Portia. She asks instead for his gloves and for the ring on his hand, but Bassanio tells her that he cannot give her the ring, because it was given to him by his wife, who made him swear to never give, sell, or lose it. She says she is sure that his wife would not hold it against him for giving the ring to the lawyer who saved his friend's life, and after she and Nerissa leave, even Antonio tells Bassanio to give her the ring. Bassanio sends Gratiano to find her and give her the ring, and they leave, planning to depart for Belmont in the morning.Act 4, Scene 2
Portia tells Nerissa to go to Shylock's and make sure he signs the deed, then they can go home before their husbands arrive. Gratiano then enters, and tells Portia that Bassanio has agreed to give her the ring, and asks for her company at dinner. She accepts the ring, but declines the invitation. She asks him to show Nerissa to Shylock's house, and on the side, Nerissa says to Portia that she will try to get Bassanio's ring, as well.Act 5, Scene 1
Lorenzo and Jessica make many allusions to literature, comparing themselves to other lovers, then they start to tease each other when a messenger arrives. He tells him that Portia and Nerissa are ready to arrive, so they prepare to greet them, when Launcelot shows up and says Bassanio is about to return, as well. Launcelot leaves, and Lorenzo continues to flirt with Jessica. A musician starts to play, and Portia and Nerissa enter the scene, commenting on how charming the music is, and how it and the night compliment each other. Trumpets sound to introduce the entrance of Bassanio, Antonio, and Gratiano. Bassanio introduces Portia to Antonio, and she tells Antonio he is "very welcome" in their house. Nerissa accuses Gratiano of giving his ring away to another woman, but he insists that he gave it to a lawyer's clerk. Portia chastises Gratiano for giving it away, saying her husband would never give it away, but Gratiano is quick to add that Bassanio gave his away to the lawyer who helped Antonio. Portia and Nerissa continue to insist that their husbands gave the rings away to women, which their husbands refute. Finally, Nerissa and Portia reveal the rings, and admit that they were the doctor and the clerk.E. Conclusion
All the couples are happy. Portia gives Anthony a letter that informs him that three of his ships have come to port, which makes him happy, too. Everyone is just dandy.
III. Characters
Portia - Portia is the heroine of the story, residing in Belmont, who is the lust object of Bassanio and other suitors, and ends up saving Antonio in the courtroom.Shylock - Shylock is the villain of the story, who Antonio and Bassanio approach for a loan. His hatred for Antonio, caused by religious and business conflicts, makes his mind set solely on revenge.
Bassanio - Antonio's friend who wants to court Portia, but does not have the money necessary to do it, so he goes to Antonio for help.
Antonio - The "merchant," the title character, who seems to live only for his friendship with Bassanio, and would go to great lengths to help him out, including borrowing money on his name at the risk of losing a pound of flesh.
IV. Themes
"All the glistens is not gold," and "Mercy is twice blessed."V. Personal Reaction
This play was more interesting than I had expected it to be. I did have trouble following it at certain parts, because of the confusing language. I also thought some of it was very predictable; after all, who didn't realize right from the start that the correct casket was the lead one? I thought the climax was unexpected and interesting, though, and overall, it was fun to read/listen to.VI. Quotations
"I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano, A stage, where every man must play a part, and mine a sad one."
--Antonio
"It is a wise father that knows his own child."
--Launcelot
"Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs dimensions, senses, affections, passions? ... If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?"
-- Shylock
"Thou call'dst me a dog before thou hadst a cause;
But, since I am a dog, beware my fangs."
--Shylock
"I never did repent for doing good."
--Portia