The Merchant of Venice Group

Question:

alyssa-aveiro
alyssa-aveiro
Student

In Merchant of Venice, what is the prevailing mood at the end of Act 3, Scene 1? Compare the mood between Act 3, Scenes 1 & 2.

Rate question:

Posted by alyssa-aveiro on Sunday June 7, 2009 at 2:05 PM and tagged with act iii, mood.

Answers:


  1. scarletpimpernel Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The prevailing mood at the end of Act 3, Scene 1 is one of foreboding.  The future does not look bright for either of the men involved in the bond plot--Shylock and Antonio.  Shylock's daughter Jessica has run off with Lorenzo and with Shylock's jewels, and Shylock's friend Tubal tells Shylock of Jessica's spending spree across Europe at her father's expense.   Tubal is able to cheer up Shylock with the news that "Antonio is certainly undone" because his ships have sunk and he cannot pay his creditors.

    In contrast, Scene 2 of Act 3 is lyrical and happy. The characters speak in verse instead of the businesslike prose of Scene 1's Venetian setting.  Bassanio chooses the correct casket, and Portia cheerfully accepts his proposal, all while surrounded by music.  Thus, while the bond plot unravels in Scene 1, the casket plot ends happily.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/merchant-of-venice/

    Rate answer:

    Posted by scarletpimpernel on Monday June 8, 2009 at 11:44 AM