Reading Progress Journal: Week 5

Name: Book Title:

Date Page numbers for Act 4 and Act 5

this summary.

In 350 words, summarize what happened in this section.

Once Shylock leaves, the duke invites Balthasar (Portia) to have dinner, but Balthasar declines as he has to leave
for “Padua” right away. Antonio and Bassanio chase after the lawyer and offers him all the money they had
planned to use to bribe Shylock but Balthasar declines. Instead, he asks for Antonio’s gloves and Bassanio’s ring.
This ring was given to Bassanio by Portia as a promise ring and he was told to never part with this or else their
love is extinct. Portia (Balthasar) is well aware of this and wants to test her husband under this disguise. Bassanio
is hesitant at first, but after Antonio’s pleas to give the lawyer what he wants, he relinquishes the ring. Bassanio
says that it was from his wife but Balthasar remarks that it is a lame excuse given by men who want to keep their
possessions. Portia sends Nerissa to check if Shylock signs the papers giving his fortune to Lorenzo and Jessica
before they leave. Shylock does so which means that Portia’s job is complete and Antonio has been saved. Portia’s
prank has begun as a success and she and Nerissa quickly leave to return to Belmont before their husbands
arrive. In the night, Jessica and Lorenzo learn of Portia’s arrival and prepare to greet her. Launcelot also arrives
and announces that Bassanio will come on the following day. When everyone has arrived, Bassanio introduces
Portia to Antonio assuming she does not know him, when she was the lawyer Balthasar all along. Gratiano and
Nerissa begin to argue about the ring and Portia do so too. All the couples break out into a fight over the given
promise rings when they do not know that it was all Portia’s plan to ridicule them. Bassanio pleads to Portia
saying he had no choice but Portia does not listen and vows to be a horrible wife just as he has been a horrible
husband. Antonio intercedes saying it was his fault and the tension is cut by Portia and Nerissa’s laughter. They
mock their husbands’ faces and explain how it was all a prank. Portia reveals that she was Balthasar all along and
the couples rejoice in good fortune.

What about this section focuses on your chosen theme or a theme discussed in class? Provide a
quote with an explanation. (50 words)
This section focuses on the theme of good triumphing over evil. After all the misery and pain that Antonio and
Bassanio had gone through, life is finally back to normal and prosperous. Portia’s cunning plan ends with success
and brings back joy in the times. This is highlighted when Antonio states, “ Sweet lady, you have given me life and
living; For here I read for certain that my ships Are safely come to road” (Shakespeare Act. 5 Scene 1 306-308).
Antonio does not have to fear his life anymore due to the goodness of Portia. The play ends with everyone in a
happy state of mind and on a positive note.