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The Merchant of Venice

by William Shakespeare

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Act 1, Scene 3 Summary and Analysis

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Scene 3

Bassanio enters with Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Bassanio has asked for three thousand ducats and promised that should Bassanio default, Antonio will pay Shylock back. Shylock is hesitant, because he knows Antonio’s assets are overseas at the moment and that bad weather or pirates could ruin Antonio’s fortunes. Still, Shylock recognizes that Antonio is wealthy, and after Bassanio assures Shylock that Antonio can guarantee the loan, Shylock asks to speak to Antonio in person. Bassanio suggests that they dine together, but Shylock says that he will only do business with them—not dine with them—as a result of personal differences. 

Antonio enters, and Shylock, in an aside, comments on how he hates Antonio for being a Christian, for giving interest-free loans, and for bad-mouthing Shylock to others. He swears that he cannot forgive Antonio. He then greets Antonio, and they go over the terms of the loan: three thousand ducats for three months. Shylock then acknowledges that Antonio never lends or takes loans with interest, and they briefly argue over the ethics of interest. 

Shylock defends himself by telling the Biblical story of Jacob and Laban. Laban owned a farm and worked Jacob like a slave, but he eventually agreed to pay Jacob by letting Jacob keep all of the spotted lambs born one year. Jacob dotted the landscape with speckled reeds while the sheep were breeding, and as a result, all of the lambs born were spotted. Thus, Shylock argues, Jacob was able to charge interest for the work he did on Laban’s farm by making it so that he would inherit all of the lambs. Antonio is skeptical that this counts as a story about interest and further argues that the lamb’s birth was God’s doing, not Jacob’s. Shylock responds that one way or the other, his money breeds fast like Laban’s sheep. 

Antonio finds it disgusting that Shylock would quote Biblical scripture to justify his usury, but Shylock turns the conversation back to business, and he considers lending them three thousand ducats over the course of three months. Before agreeing, he notes that Antonio has insulted him, kicked him, and spat on him for being a Jew and for charging interest. In light of this, he wonders why he should help them at all. 

Antonio acknowledges that they are enemies, but he believes that their mutual enmity should make it all the easier for Shylock to charge them interest. Shylock, however, says that he would like to be friends with them and offers the loan with no interest. Antonio is surprised by this, and Shylock suggests they go to a notary to sign a contract. However, Shylock, “in merry sport,” suggests that they add a clause to the contract stating that if Antonio does not pay the loan back on a given day at a given time, Shylock will be allowed to take a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. 

Bassanio protests, but Antonio says that within two months, he should see triple the amount of money returning from his overseas investments. Shylock insists that it will be a silly joke to have such an addendum in the contract, and after all, human flesh is worth nearly nothing, so it would not benefit him to come for such a payment. Shylock leaves to get the money, and although Bassanio is suspicious of Shylock, they leave to meet Shylock at the notary’s office. 

Analysis

In this scene, one of the major themes of the play becomes apparent: the problem of interpretation. Shylock attempts to justify his usury using a Biblical story, but both he and Antonio have different interpretations of the story. For Shylock, the story of Laban’s sheep proves that individuals have the agency to determine what they are owed, and clever men like Jacob can devise ways to make sure they receive what they believe to be just payment. Antonio, on the other hand, sees this as proof that only God can determine a man’s worth, and it is God that will mete out justice. This division between man’s agency and God’s will appears again, most notably in act 4. 

In any case, each has a different interpretation of what the biblical story is supposed to teach. It may be that this problem of interpretation is why Antonio agrees to such a contract. Shylock does not make his motives entirely clear, suggesting that adding a pound of flesh to the contract is a joke after telling Antonio that he wants to be friends. Here, Antonio’s inability to understand Shylock’s intention sets him up for trouble.

Expert Q&A

In The Merchant of Venice, what does "if I catch him once upon the hip" mean?

In "The Merchant of Venice," Shylock's phrase "if I catch him once upon the hip" means gaining an advantage over Antonio, akin to a wrestling move. Shylock desires this to retaliate against Antonio, who lends money interest-free, undermining Shylock's business. The phrase reflects Shylock's personal vendetta against Antonio, intensified by religious differences and economic rivalry, as Shylock sees an opportunity to exploit Antonio's financial vulnerability with his ships at sea.

What is the meaning of Shylock's words in Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice?

"Yes, to smell pork; to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into! I will buy with you ....nor pray with you."

In Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice, Shylock's words highlight the religious and cultural differences between Jews and Christians. He refuses to dine with Antonio and Bassanio because their Christian practices, such as eating pork, violate his Jewish beliefs. The reference to "the Nazarite" (Jesus) exorcising demons into pigs underscores his view that Christians disregard both Old and New Testament teachings.

In Act 1, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, what insight do the lines "Is like a villain with a smiling cheek/A goodly apple rotten at the heart;/O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!" provide on Shylock's character?

The lines in question are within the stanza beginning with "Mark you this, Bassanio" and ending with "what a goodly outside falsehood hath!"

In Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice, the lines "Is like a villain with a smiling cheek/A goodly apple rotten at the heart;/O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!" reveal Antonio's view of Shylock as deceitful and evil. Antonio accuses Shylock of appearing good and pious outwardly but being corrupt and villainous inside, likening him to Satan using Scripture for deceptive purposes.

What is the point of Shylock's story about Jacob and Laban in Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice?

Shylock's story about Jacob and Laban in Act 1, Scene 3 illustrates a theme of cunning in business. While Antonio views it as a tale about earning interest, Shylock uses it to justify "thrift" or deceit. Jacob cleverly increases his wealth by manipulating the breeding of Laban's sheep. The story hints at the idea that shrewdness is acceptable in business, also foreshadowing Jessica's betrayal, paralleling Rachel's actions in the biblical narrative.

What is the meaning of this stanza from act 1, scene 3 in The Merchant of Venice?

"How like a fawning publican he looks! I hate him for he is a Christian; But more, for that in low simplicity...Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe, if I forgive him!"

This stanza reveals Shylock's deep animosity towards Antonio, primarily because Antonio is a Christian and lends money without interest, undermining Shylock's money-lending business. Shylock compares Antonio to a "fawning publican," a derogatory term for a tax collector, indicating contempt. He desires revenge for Antonio's disrespect towards Jews, feeling that forgiving Antonio would betray his own people. Shylock's hatred is fueled by both personal and religious grievances.

Explain the meaning of the stanza about Jacob and Laban's sheep in Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice.

"When Jacob grazed his uncle Laban's sheep—This Jacob from our holy Abraham was, As his wise mother wrought in his behalf...This was a way to thrive, and he was blest: And thrift is blessing, if men steal it not."

In Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice, Shylock uses the biblical story of Jacob and Laban's sheep to argue that wise and honest business practices are a blessing. Jacob cleverly ensures the birth of speckled lambs, which he is entitled to keep, demonstrating that success through wisdom and integrity is commendable.

What does the line "I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him" mean in Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice?

In Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice, the line "I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him" reflects Shylock's desire to exact revenge on Antonio. Shylock harbors a deep-seated resentment because Antonio lends money without interest, undermining Shylock's business, and because of Antonio's anti-Semitic behavior. Shylock sees the loan as an opportunity to exploit Antonio's financial vulnerability and potentially harm him by enforcing the harsh terms of their agreement.

Explain the stanza, "Mark you this, Bassanio, the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose..." in Act I, scene iii of The Merchant of Venice.

In Act I, scene iii of The Merchant of Venice, Antonio warns Bassanio that even evil people, like Shylock, can use Scripture for their own purposes. He implies that Shylock, although quoting holy texts, is deceitful and untrustworthy, much like a seemingly good apple that is rotten inside. Antonio highlights the danger of being misled by appearances.

Explain the stanza in Act I, scene iii of The Merchant of Venice: "I am as like to call thee so again, To spit on thee again, to spurn thee too. ...Exact the penalty."

In Act I, scene iii of The Merchant of Venice, Shylock confronts Antonio about his past insults, highlighting their mutual animosity. Despite needing a loan, Antonio admits he would continue to insult Shylock, emphasizing their lack of friendship. He views Shylock's lending as unnatural, using "barren metal" to criticize Shylock's profession. Antonio suggests that if he defaults, Shylock can demand repayment without guilt, as it would be a justified penalty.

Contrast Antonio's loan to Bassanio with Shylock's loan to Antonio and Bassanio.

Antonio's loan to Bassanio is interest-free, reflecting Antonio's generosity and his practice of undercutting Shylock's money-lending business, which relies on charging interest. In contrast, Shylock's loan to Antonio and Bassanio initially appears interest-free but carries a severe penalty: if the loan is not repaid, Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh. This condition highlights Shylock's animosity towards Antonio and adds a sinister element to the transaction.

What payment does Shylock demand if Antonio defaults on the bond?

If Antonio defaults on the bond, Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as payment. This agreement is made in Act 1, Scene 3, where Shylock proposes this gruesome term as a form of revenge against Antonio, whom he despises for his Christian beliefs and for undermining Shylock's money-lending business. The pound of flesh serves as both a literal and symbolic punishment, reflecting Shylock's desire for retribution.

What is the meaning of Shylock's words in Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice?

"Yet his means are in supposition: he hath an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies; I understand, moreover, upon Rialto, he hath a third at Mexico, ...bond."

In this scene, Shylock evaluates Antonio's financial status before agreeing to lend him money. He notes that Antonio's wealth is uncertain or "in supposition" because it depends on the success of his trading ships, or "argosy," currently en route to various destinations like Tripolis and the Indies. Shylock expresses concern about the risks these ships face, including weather and pirates, yet acknowledges that Antonio remains a sufficient credit risk for the loan, or "bond."

What is the meaning of this passage from Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice?

Shylock:

You, that did void your rheum upon my beard
And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur
Over your threshold: moneys is your suit
What should I say to you? Should I not say
'Hath a dog money? is it possible
A cur can lend three thousand ducats?' Or
Shall I bend low and in a bondman's key,
With bated breath and whispering humbleness, Say this;
"Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last;
You spurn'd me such a day; another time
You call'd me dog; and for these courtesies
I'll lend you thus much moneys?

In this passage, Shylock expresses his resentment towards Antonio, who has mistreated him for being a Jewish moneylender. Shylock sarcastically questions why he should lend money to Antonio, who has insulted him and called him a "dog." The passage highlights the social tensions between Christians and Jews in Venice and foreshadows Shylock's desire for revenge against Antonio, who dismisses Shylock's serious intentions by agreeing to a bizarre penalty for loan default.

What sea risks does Shylock list to Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice?

The risks at sea that Shylock enumerates to Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice include the dangers of rats, pirates, violent waters, high winds, and sharp rocks. All of these risks pose a threat to Antonio's wealth, which is tied up in the transoceanic shipping industry.

Who is the third person in the scene and why is he hesitant to agree with Shylock's terms?

The third person in the scene is Bassanio, who is hesitant to agree with Shylock's terms because they involve a dangerous condition. Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh if the loan is not repaid, and despite Bassanio's need for money to woo Portia, he is unwilling to endanger Antonio's life. Bassanio advises Antonio against sealing the bond with Shylock, recognizing the risk and Shylock's reputation for greed and malice.

What are the poetic devices in Act 1, Scene 3 and Act 4, Scene 1 of The Merchant of Venice?

In Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare uses similes and metaphors, such as "How like a fawning publican he looks!" and "I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him," to illustrate characters' emotions and intentions. In Act 4, Scene 1, Shylock employs personification and similes, like comparing slaves to animals, while Antonio uses metaphors to express his despair. These devices enhance the play's thematic contrasts and character dynamics.

How does Shakespeare add tension between characters in Act 1, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice?

Shakespeare heightens tension in Act 1, Scene 3 through dialogue and asides, revealing deep-seated animosities beneath seemingly conventional business dealings. Shylock's refusal to dine with Bassanio and Antonio, stating he will "buy...sell...talk...walk" with them but not "eat...drink...pray" with them, highlights cultural and personal tensions. Shylock's aside reveals his disdain for Antonio, which is mutual, culminating in Shylock's condition of a pound of Antonio's flesh, escalating the scene's animosity.

What is the theme of wealth and friendship in The Merchant of Venice, Act 1, Scene 1?

In Act 1, Scene 1, themes of wealth and friendship are established through Antonio and Bassanio's relationship. Antonio is depicted as wealthy and prudent, capable of sustaining financial losses without distress. Despite Bassanio's extravagant lifestyle and debts, Antonio remains a generous friend, willing to extend further financial help. This scene raises questions about the sincerity of their friendship, suggesting that Antonio's wealth may influence Bassanio's reliance and loyalty.

Explain "A pound of man’s flesh, taken from a man, is not estimable, nor profitable."

This line, spoken by Shylock in Act I, Scene 3, highlights the lack of monetary value in human flesh, contrasting it with animal flesh, which can be sold. Shylock, a moneylender, offers Antonio a loan without interest but demands a pound of his flesh as collateral if he defaults. The line underscores Shylock's animosity toward Antonio and raises questions of whether Shylock's motives are serious or intended as a jest.

What makes the end of Act 1 in The Merchant of Venice dramatic?

The end of Act 1 is dramatic due to the tense interaction between Shylock, Bassanio, and Antonio. Shylock's animosity towards Antonio creates suspense. Despite their enmity, Antonio seeks a loan from Shylock, leading to a heated debate on interest and morality. Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as collateral, heightening the tension. Although Shylock downplays the seriousness, Bassanio and the audience sense the underlying threat, ending the act on an uneasy note.

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Act 1, Scenes 1–2 Summary and Analysis

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