The Merchant of Venice Group

Question:

xoursweet
xoursweet
Student
High School - 9th Grade

What is ironic about Shylock leaving his keys with his daughter?

In Act II, scene 5 of "The Merchant of Venice", why is Shylock reluctant to sup with Bassanio?

Rate question:

Posted by xoursweet on Saturday May 9, 2009 at 9:21 PM.

Answers:

  1. flamingogirl
    flamingogirl Teacher
    Middle School

    eNotes Editor

    Shylock is reluctant to go to this dinner because he's had dream about his money bags that he sees as a premonition of someone stealing from him. He gives his daughter Jessica his keys so she can lock up the house and keep it safe from anyone who tries to steal from him while he's gone. He also tells her to stay inside and keep out of the Christian revelry going on in the streets. The irony is that Jessica is planning to run away and marry her Christian love, and when she leaves she will take a great deal of his fortune with her.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/merchant/

    Rate answer:

    Posted by flamingogirl on Sunday May 10, 2009 at 7:06 AM