Act 2, Scenes 1–4 Summary and Analysis
Scene 1
This scene opens with Portia, Nerissa, and her company as they greet the prince of Morocco, who is a dark man dressed in white. He asks Portia to overlook his skin color, telling her that his blood is as red as any other man’s. He also tells her that he is proud of his skin color, as it has caused other men to fear him and virgins to swoon for him. Portia tells him that she is not only interested in good looks and reminds him that she has no choice in the matter anyway, because he must choose the correct chest.
The prince responds that he would perform any feat of bravery to win Portia, including facing warriors, stealing bear cubs from a mother, or mocking a hungry lion. He feels slighted by the fact that the test Portia’s father devised does not take any of this into account—that it is instead a test of luck. Portia says that he has the option not to choose a chest at all, but if he does and fails, he must promise never to marry another woman and leave immediately. He agrees, and they retreat for dinner before the choice.
Scene 2
Launcelot enters alone and delivers a soliloquy about how he would like to leave Shylock’s employ. Launcelot feels that Shylock is the devil, but his conscience prevents him from abandoning his position. When Launcelot decides to leave Shylock, Gobbo, Launcelot’s father, enters with a basket and asks which way it is to the Jew’s house. Launcelot realizes that his father, who is nearly blind, does not recognize him and decides to confuse him as a joke. Launcelot first gives his father confusing directions, and when Gobbo is unable to follow them, he asks if his son is at Shylock’s house. Launcelot tells him that his son has died, which upsets Gobbo. Lancelot then reveals himself to his father, who does not believe him until he mentions his mother’s name, Margery.
Gobbo explains that he has a present for Shylock, but Launcelot informs his father that he is running away and suggests Gobbo give Shylock a noose and save the present for Bassanio, with whom Launcelot plans to seek employment. At that moment, Bassanio enters with Leonardo and a servant. Bassanio tells the servant to go deliver letters, make sure dinner is ready, and tell Gratiano to visit. Launcelot and Gobbo approach Bassanio, and they speak over each other as they try to secure Launcelot a job with Bassanio. Bassanio agrees but warns Launcelot that he is poor in comparison to Shylock. Launcelot still accepts the offer, and Bassanio sends Launcelot to his house to be fitted for a new uniform.
Launcelot playfully reads his own palm, commenting on how lucky he is and how his life will be filled with fortune: he will wed several wives and escape from death numerous times. He and Gobbo leave, and Bassanio sends Leonardo to collect some provisions which he has bought for his trip. Gatiano enters, greets Bassanio, and asks to accompany him to Belmont. Bassanio will have him but only on the condition that he calm himself and not act too wild or loud. Gratiano promises to act solemnly, but they both agree that they will have a merry time at dinner. Both exit.
Scene 3
In this scene, Launcelot bids Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, farewell. She gives him a letter to give to Lorenzo, and Launcelot leaves, crying because he must part with Jessica. During a short aside, we learn that Jessica is ashamed to be Shylock’s daughter and that she plans to convert to Christianity and marry Lorenzo.
Scene 4
Gratiano, Salarino, Lorenzo, and Solanio enter. Lorenzo wants to turn dinner into a masquerade event, but the others are concerned that there is not enough time. Launcelot enters with Jessica’s letter and gives it to Lorenzo. Lorenzo recognizes the handwriting, and Gratiano speculates that it is a love letter. Launcelot tells them that he is going back to Shylock’s house to invite Shylock to Bassanio’s for dinner, but Lorenzo stops him, gives him money, and tells him to convey to Jessica the message that he (Lorenzo) will not fail her. Solanio and Salarino leave to prepare for the party.
After they leave, Gratiano asks if the letter was from Jessica. Lorenzo confirms this and explains that the letter detailed a plan in which Jessica could run away with Lorenzo: she will collect all of the gold and jewels that she owns and disguise herself as a page. Lorenzo comments on how good she is and grows excited by the fact that she will serve as his torchbearer by the end of the night.
Analysis
Shakespeare has already begun to show the prejudice against Jews in Venice. This theme of prejudice and intolerance is also present in Portia’s treatment of the Prince of Morocco. This tells us about the attitude toward those of African descent at the time. This idea emerges again with the offhanded comment that Launcelot has impregnated a Moorish servant later in the play. In general, Black people, like Jews, were seen as exotic others and treated with strong disdain. Shakespeare would explore this idea much more deeply in his play Othello, which was written only a few years after The Merchant of Venice.
One rather perplexing scene is the dialogue between Launcelot and his father, Gobbo. Gobbo does not appear again in the play, and it is difficult to determine the purpose of the exchange. It is possible that Launcelot needs to be introduced as a clown. In the beginning of the scene, Launcelot is debating with his conscience, a relatively heavy action. Until this point, there has not been much comedy, as the genre of the play promises. The humorous banter between Launcelot and Gobbo may primarily serve to keep the audience interested. While much of this scene is unnecessary to the central action of the plot, it establishes Launcelot as a source of comedic relief and gives the audience a break from what has until now been a fairly serious story: Portia undergoing a strict courtship process and Antonio essentially signing a contract for his death.
Expert Q&A
What is Portia's reaction to the Prince of Morocco in The Merchant of Venice?
Portia's reaction to the Prince of Morocco in The Merchant of Venice is polite but detached. She assures him that his skin color does not influence her decision, as her marriage is determined by the casket test set by her father. Although she acknowledges his attractiveness, she remains non-committal and unimpressed by his boasting. Ultimately, Portia remains business-like, showing no personal preference, and is relieved when he chooses incorrectly, wishing similar suitors would also fail.
Explain the interaction between Launcelot and Old Gobbo in The Merchant of Venice Act 2, Scene 2.
In The Merchant of Venice Act 2, Scene 2, Launcelot and Old Gobbo engage in a comedic interaction based on Old Gobbo's blindness and inability to recognize his own son. Launcelot tricks his father by pretending he is dead, leading to humorous confusion. Eventually, they reunite, and Launcelot expresses his desire to leave Shylock to serve Bassanio. This scene uses slapstick and witty wordplay for comic relief while touching on themes of recognition and understanding.
What is the meaning of the lines about Hercules, Lichas, and blind fortune in Act 2, Scene 1 of The Merchant of Venice?
"If Hercules and Lichas play at dice...And so may I, blind fortune leading me, Miss that which one unworthier may attain, and die with grieving."
In Act 2, Scene 1 of The Merchant of Venice, the Prince of Morocco compares his gamble for Portia's hand to a dice game between Hercules and his servant Lichas, where the weaker might win by chance. This reflects his fear that fate, rather than merit, could determine the outcome, leading to an unworthy suitor winning Portia. Ironically, his arrogance leads to his failure, not blind fortune, as he chooses the wrong casket.
In Act 2, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice, what can we infer about Launcelot's and Jessica's relationship, their actions, and Jessica's character compared to Portia's?
In Act 2, Scene 3, Launcelot's departure from Shylock's service highlights Shylock's cruelty, as both Launcelot and Jessica describe their home as "hell." Jessica, Shylock's daughter, contrasts with Portia in her actions and character. While both women scheme to achieve their desires, Portia's actions align with her father's wishes, whereas Jessica defies her father's religious beliefs by planning to marry Lorenzo, a Christian. Jessica's cunning is evident as she enlists Launcelot to deliver a letter to Lorenzo.
What is the context of Bassanio's advice to Gratiano in Act 2, Scene 2 of their play, and why does he ask Gratiano to behave in Belmont?
Bassanio advises Gratiano to behave modestly in Belmont because he fears Gratiano's carefree nature might jeopardize his chances of marrying Portia. Bassanio, having borrowed money from Antonio for this purpose, is concerned that Gratiano's "skipping spirit" could lead to misunderstandings. He urges Gratiano to temper his behavior with "cold drops of modesty" to avoid being misconstrued. Gratiano agrees to be serious in Belmont but asks to enjoy himself for one night, to which Bassanio consents.
In The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 1, why does Portia ask the Prince of Morocco to visit the temple before choosing a casket?
Portia asks the Prince of Morocco to visit the temple before choosing a casket to ensure he takes an oath according to her father's will. This oath, made in a sacred place, binds him to the condition that if he chooses incorrectly, he must never propose marriage to another woman. This ritual underscores the seriousness of the choice and the prince's acceptance of the risk involved in choosing the correct casket to win Portia's hand.
In Act 2, Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice, how does Launcelot secure employment with Bassanio, and what does he predict about his future? What proverb does he reference?
In Act 2, Scene 2, Launcelot secures employment with Bassanio by demonstrating his wit and verbal skill, flattering Bassanio while subtly insulting Shylock. He references the proverb "The grace of God is enough," dividing it to praise Bassanio and criticize Shylock. Launcelot humorously predicts a future filled with multiple marriages and adventures, reflecting his newfound confidence and comedic character. Bassanio, showing generosity, instructs his servants to outfit Launcelot in a smarter uniform.
What gift has Gobbo brought for Shylock?
Old Gobbo brings a "dish of doves" as a gift for Shylock. However, his son, Launcelot, who feels underfed by Shylock, persuades Gobbo to give the doves to Bassanio instead. Launcelot is eager to leave Shylock's service and work for Bassanio, hoping the gift will facilitate this transition. Thus, the intended gift for Shylock is redirected to Bassanio.
Explain Launcelot's lines in Act 2, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice.
In Act 2, Scene 3, Launcelot bids farewell to Jessica as he leaves Shylock's service. Despite his disdain for Shylock, he is saddened to part with Jessica, expressing his emotions openly through tears. He praises Jessica's sweetness despite her being Jewish, hinting at religious prejudice. Launcelot predicts a Christian will deceitfully win her over, and he laments his tears as "foolish drops" that undermine his masculinity.
In Act 2, Scene 4 of The Merchant of Venice, what information does Jessica give Lorenzo about her elopement and how does Lorenzo view her?
In Act 2, Scene 4, Jessica informs Lorenzo about her plan to elope, indicating her readiness to leave her father, Shylock. Lorenzo views Jessica as pure and good, suggesting that Shylock's only chance of reaching heaven would be through her virtue. This reflects the deep-seated anti-Semitic attitudes of the time, portraying Jews as "damned" and highlighting the prejudice and discrimination they faced in Elizabethan society.
Why does Launcelot use high-sounding words with Gobbo in Act 2, Scene 2 of "The Merchant of Venice"? How does Launcelot prove he is Gobbo's son and how does Gobbo react? Identify two humorous situations from this scene.
Launcelot uses high-sounding words to confuse Gobbo and disguise his identity, highlighting how complex speech can alienate regular people. He eventually proves he is Gobbo's son by referencing his mother, Margery, which Gobbo accepts. Gobbo reacts to Launcelot's supposed death by lamenting the loss of his support. Two humorous moments include Gobbo mistaking Launcelot's back for his face and Launcelot's contradictory statements about being called "Master."
Who is the torchbearer in act 2, scene 4 of The Merchant of Venice?
In Act 2, Scene 4 of The Merchant of Venice, Jessica, Shylock's daughter, is the torchbearer. She plans to elope with Lorenzo, her Christian lover, during a street carnival. Disguised as a boy, she carries the torch to maintain her disguise. Shylock, unaware of her plans, attends a banquet, providing Jessica the opportunity to escape with Lorenzo, taking her father's money and jewels.
In Act 2, Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice, why does Launcelot want to leave the Jew and whom does he ultimately obey: the devil or his conscience?
Launcelot wants to leave Shylock because he views him as "the devil incarnal," indicating a negative experience working for him. He faces an internal conflict between obeying his conscience, which suggests staying, and the devil, which encourages leaving. Ultimately, Launcelot chooses to follow the "more friendly counsel" of the devil, deciding to leave Shylock. This decision highlights racial stereotypes against Shylock, referred to only as "the Jew," reflecting extreme prejudice.
What is the meaning of these lines from The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 1?
In Act 2, Scene 1 of The Merchant of Venice, Portia explains to the Prince of Morocco that she is "scanted" or limited by her father's will, which dictates she must marry the suitor who chooses the correct casket. Although the Prince is concerned about his complexion, Portia reassures him that he stands as good a chance as any other suitor. Her remark is ironic, as she resents her father's conditions and is not truly interested in any suitors.
In Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, what is the meaning of the given speech?
Ergo, Master Launcelot. Talk not of Master Launcelot, father; for the young gentleman, according to Fates and Destinies and such odd sayings, the Sisters Three and such branches of learning, is indeed deceased, or, as you would say in plain terms, gone to heaven.
In Act 2, Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice, Launcelot Gobbo plays a cruel joke on his father, Old Gobbo, by pretending that he, Launcelot, is dead. Using pseudo-scholarly language and references to the Fates, Launcelot humorously misleads his father, who fails to recognize him. This scene highlights Launcelot's comic character through his use of malapropisms and his playful deception of his father.
Why does Act 2, Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice require Launcelot's comic relief?
In Act 2, Scene 4 of The Merchant of Venice: Whose letter does Launcelot bring and why is it important? How does the dinner party facilitate Jessica's elopement with Lorenzo? How does Lorenzo guess the sender of the letter? Who is hosting the dinner party and whom does Launcelot invite?
Launcelot brings a letter from Jessica to Lorenzo, identified by its "fair hand." The letter is important as it outlines the plan for Jessica's elopement with Lorenzo. The dinner party hosted by Bassanio, which Launcelot invites Shylock to, ensures Shylock's absence from home, facilitating Jessica's escape. Lorenzo guesses the sender of the letter from Launcelot's description. The elopement allows Jessica to take her father's wealth, intertwining themes of love and money.
In Act 2, Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice, who is Launcelot Gobbo and what inner struggle does he face?
Launcelot Gobbo is a servant of Shylock, and in Act 2, Scene 2, he grapples with whether to leave his master's service. His inner struggle is between his conscience, which advises him to stay, and his selfish desires, depicted as a "fiend," urging him to leave. This conflict is complicated by his view that staying with Shylock or following his fiendish desires both align him with a "devil." Ultimately, Launcelot decides to leave, following the "more friendly counsel."
Where was Shylock going, who invited him, and what was the accusation he made?
Shylock was going to dine with Bassanio, who invited him through his servant Launcelot Gobbo. Shylock accepted the invitation reluctantly, fearing Christian customs and harboring a premonition of ill fortune. He accused Antonio of calling him a "dog" and criticizing him for usury. During his absence, his daughter Jessica planned to elope with Lorenzo, confirming Shylock's uneasy feeling about the dinner.
What is the significance of lines 92-103 in Act 2, Scene 2 of Merchant of Venice? What just happened and what is Launcelot's response to Old Gobbo's gift? How is the phrase "you may tell every finger I have with my ribs" strange? What are Launcelot's privileges and attitudes towards Jews?
In Act 2, Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice, lines 92-103 show Launcelot Gobbo's humorous and critical response to his father, Old Gobbo, regarding his master, Shylock. Launcelot uses the phrase "you may tell every finger I have with my ribs" to comically exaggerate his starvation under Shylock's service. This exchange highlights Launcelot's negative view of Shylock, reflecting broader societal stereotypes about Jews at the time. Launcelot's attitude suggests a desire to leave Shylock's employ.
How does Morocco's physical appearance affect the brave men and prettiest women in his country?
Morocco's physical appearance, specifically his skin color, significantly impacts those in his country. He confidently claims that his dark complexion is admired by the prettiest women and feared by the bravest men in Morocco. While aware of potential prejudice from Portia due to his skin, he highlights it as a distinctive and impressive quality that sets him apart from other suitors, aiming to present it as an asset rather than a liability.
What does Lorenzo say about Jessica's father in The Merchant of Venice?
Lorenzo expresses a negative view of Jessica's father, Shylock, in The Merchant of Venice. He suggests that if Shylock were to reach heaven, it would be due to Jessica's virtues rather than his own, implying Shylock's lack of merit. Lorenzo also refers to Shylock as "a faithless Jew," highlighting both his non-Christian identity and a biased perception of his untrustworthiness. These remarks reflect the prejudices of the time.
What does the Moroccan prince mean in Act 2, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice?
Mislike me not for my complexion,
The shadow'd livery of the burnish'd sun,
To whom I am a neighbour and near bred.
Bring me the fairest creature northward born,
Where Phoebus' fire scarce thaws the icicles,
And let us make incision for your love, to prove ...my gentle queen.
In Act 2, Scene 1, the Moroccan prince addresses Portia, asking her not to judge him for his dark complexion, which he attributes to living near the sun. He challenges her to compare him to any fair-skinned man, suggesting a test to see whose blood is "reddest." He boasts of his valor and attractiveness, claiming many women in his country admire his looks. Ultimately, he would change his skin color only to win Portia's love, though he fails to choose the correct casket.
Analyze the form of Launcelot's monologue in Act 2, Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice.
In The Merchant of Venice, Launcelot's monologue in act 2, scene 2, which is staged by this servant as a conversation in which he is caught between the urgings of his conscience and the urging of an inner "fiend," reflects his status as a lower-class character and provides comic relief.
In The Merchant of Venice, how does Portia respond to the Prince of Morocco's vanity?
Portia responds to the Prince of Morocco's vanity by acknowledging that her choice of a husband is not influenced by appearances, and that the lottery her father devised leaves her with no say in the matter. This implies that the prince has the same chance as any suitor. Despite his boastfulness, Portia encourages him to take part, explaining the rules and consequences, and suggests they proceed to the temple for the oath before he attempts the lottery.
What is Launcelot pondering in Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice?
In Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice, Launcelot Gobbo is debating whether to leave his master, Shylock. His conscience advises him to stay, while a "fiend" urges him to flee. Both describe Shylock negatively, equating him to a devil. Launcelot eventually chooses to follow the fiend's "friendly" advice over his conscience's "hard" advice, deciding to run away from Shylock.
What does the quote “So can I give no reason, nor I will not” (4.1) from The Merchant of Venice imply about the speaker's character?
What this quote from The Merchant of Venice implies is a certain vindictiveness about the character saying it. The words are spoken by Shylock, who's explaining to the Duke why he's pursuing his legal case against Antonio. Shylock openly admits that he can give no reason for pursuing the case against Antonio other than his hatred for him. This shows Shylock to be a petty and vindictive individual.
In The Merchant of Venice, what does Portia tell Morocco before his casket selection?
Portia tells Morocco about the rules of the casket test before he selects a casket. Whereas the prince is very boastful of his exploits, Portia concentrates on the actual casket test, which will determine which of her suitors will take her hand in marriage. The last words she speaks to the Prince of Morocco before he plays the casket game is, “Now make your choice.”
Morocco's explanation for his dark complexion and its effect on people's perception of him in The Merchant of Venice
In The Merchant of Venice, Morocco explains that his dark complexion is due to his lineage and exposure to the sun. He acknowledges that some people may judge him unfavorably because of his skin color, but he asserts that his valor and noble qualities surpass any superficial judgments based on appearance.
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