The Merchant of Venice Group

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mahmuda092569
mahmuda092569
Student

 

In Merchant what does Portia do after receiving Bellario’s reply to her letter, and what did Bellario write to the duke?

 

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Posted by mahmuda092569 on Monday October 12, 2009 at 11:42 PM and tagged with the merchant of venice.

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  1. scarletpimpernel Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    In Act 3, Scene 4, after Bassanio--Portia's new husband has departed to Venice to try to save Antonio, Portia sets in motion her own plan to save him.  She sends her servant Balthazar to her cousin Bellario to get legal notes and clothing and to bring them to her as she sets sail on a ship bound for for Venice (lines 53-56).

    In Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 153-167, the audience discovers from Bellario's letter to the Duke what Portia was up to.  She obviously told him in her letter about her scheme, and he covers for her by writing that he is sick and has sent "Balthazar, a young doctor" (of the law) in his place.  Portia is, of course, disguised as Balthazar and proceeds to hear Shylock's case against Antonio.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/merchant-of-venice/act-iii-scenes-1...
    http://www.enotes.com/merchant-of-venice/act-iv-scenes-1-...

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    Posted by scarletpimpernel on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 2:12 PM