exami8 ICSE Merchant

of Venice Super Notes

ACTI1: SCENE1
What is happening in this scene?
AS IT in
response of the 'true love' iust heralded in Belmont, this scene brings
true hate -Christian for ou
Jew, Jew for Christian in Venice. For most of Act 3, tne
play will alternate between these two
emotional driving forces, each with its
attendant, hazards and with a mounting sense of crisis. Salarino and Salanio are
talking about the heavy loss of Antonio's ships. Then
them the audience
Shylock enters and througn
recognizes the comic and pathetic aspect of Shylock's state
of mind along with
burning hatred for Christians, especially Antonio.

Classical References
1 There is the mythological reference to the parable of the prodigal son.
2. Synagogue is theJewish house of prayer.
 CSE Merchant
of Venice Supe Notes

ACT II1: SCENE 2

What is happening in this scene?
Dolmont is the scene of romance and action.
Bassanio is able to choose
Agai
Again,
ht casket and opening the lead casket, he finds
Portia's picture: He claims
the a kiss and Portia also expresses her love for
dy with Bassanio and commits
elf (mind, body
and
an soul) to her lord. She presents him a ring as atoken of
their
love which Bassanio promises never to part with.

Marissa then surprises Fortla witn the declaration that she wants to marry
Gratiano and she also gives a ring to Gratiano which he promises never to part
with. Both the couples rejoice but their joy is interrupted by the distressing news
of Antonio's loss at sea. Salerio brings this news.

Bassanio is speechless and tells Portia how he is indebted to Antonio and how
Antonio has signed a bond with Shylock's cruel demand of a pound of flesh.
Jessica cornfirms their worst fears by telling them about her father's
determination to have Antonio's flesh. Portia insists that Bassanio should marry
her immediately and depart for Venice with Gratiano. Portia and Bassanio are
married and so are Nerissa and Gratiano. Bassanio reads Antonio's letter aloud,
in which Antonio has asked Bassanio to come so that he may see Bassanio for
the last time.

Bassanio being a loyal friend departs for Venice along with Gratiano.

as a romantic heroine. She is overjoyed at

Portia in this scene is presented
Bassanio's in choosing the right
success
casket and expresses her love, but her

tellect, resourcefulness and leadership qualities are as powerful and.impressive

she makes her own plans
s ner
beauty and love. After Bassanio's departure,
unknown to anybody.
love do not
s Antonio's nobility is also revealed in his letter, "Ifyour
SCene, into view in his
letter." Bassanio's loyalty c o m e s
to come, let not my
ude
immediate departure for Venice.
of
of the play. It is
the meeting point
This
e n e seems to be the
dramatic centre Jessica
the casket story, the ring story and
bond story, meets with the
e r e n t stories, the mercantile ventures
Here the world of
s c e n e s and
M enzo's love story. between the other casket
difference
O o v e . There is also a
 ICSE Merchant of Venice 9
8

nis casket scene. The theme of love versus wealth is rlso developed here.
Cimax of courtship and crisis of
friendship are presented here.
 Super Notes
8

ACT II: SCENE 3

What is happening in this scene:

Again, from Belmont the scene shifts to Venice. We are face to face with
Antonio's miserable plight and Shylock's heartless attitude. All the pleas of mercy
have failed. It is sure that the Duke although unwillingly, will have to pass his
Judgment according to the Law of Venice. Here we see the stark contrast
between Antonio and Shylock. Antonio is quiet and has accepted his inevitable
fate whereas Shylock's fiery outbursts make him akirn to a devil.

This scene is also the preparation for the trial scene. Here the bond of friendship
is also evident. Antonio is ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of Bassanio and
Bassanio leaving his love of life, comes to Venice to save his friend's life.
 ACT I: SCENE 4
What is happening in this scene?
In this scene, the audience sees Portia devising a clever plan to rescue Antonio
from the clutches of the Jew, Shylock. Bassanio and Gratiano have already
departed. She contacts Dr. Bellario, her cousin and a famous lawyer who lives in
Padua. One of her servants, Balthazar takes her letter to Padua. She plans to
disguise as a lawyer and Nerissa her clerk and leave for Venice. No one knowS
about her plan except herself.
This scene brings forth many new traits in Portia's personality. She is rich not
only financially, but she is rich in heart and head also. She is intelligent, witty and
has a presence of mind. She can
make great plans and execute them
Successfully. Her imitation of a young lawyer is perfect.

This fills the time gap. Generosity contrasted with selfishness is alsoo
scene
exhibited here. 'The disguise theme' even brings in comic element to some
extent.
 ACT I1: SCENE 5
What is happening in this scene?
Ihis scene takes place in Portia's garden. Jessica, Launcelot and Lorenzo aree
there.
Laurnceloe's presence adds to the element of humour in the play. He tells
Jessica that she would be damned for her father's sins Jessica
contradictsS
Launcelot by saying that she is Jew. He
now a Christian, not a again sayS now
pork will be costlier because so many are becoming converts. Lorenzo and
Jessica are a couple who are really
happy to be together. It creates a pleasing
sensation all over the atmosphere. Jessica has a
very high opinion of Portia. It
reflects on Portia's virtues as much as on Jessica's
ability to recognize them.