GCE A/L English Literature - Made Easy - Drama: The Merchant of Venice - by William Shakespeare

Act 3 Sc 3

commentary contd:

The Merchant of Venice

The Venetian state cannot free him as "commercial existence depends upon the rigorous enforcement of the law". Shakespeare reminds the audience of Shylock's attitudes keeping his spectators in suspense.

Will Shylock give up his evil intentions of the bond. Shakespeare has already created a Devil's image of Shylock in the minds of his audience. Will Shylock give up the bond a pound of flesh - and accept the money? Antonio's final words "Well, Gaoler Pray Bassanio come to see me pay his debt, and then I care not".

Act 3 Scene 4 Summary

Belmont: The departure of Bassanio. Portia's impression of Bassanio's friendship with Antonio and the worthy endeavour to rescue him. Portia entrusting all her affairs to Loven 20, leaves with Nerissa saying that they've going to a monastery and thus will wait for the arrival of their husbands.

Loren 30 agrees to abide by Portia's request "I shall obey you in all fair commands" Portia sends Balthasar with a letter to her cousin Doctor Bellario in Padua and to bring "What notes and garments he doth give thee". She and Nerissa will disguise themselves as young men and follow Bassasio and Gratiano. Portia is sure of her plan and flair. "Their souls do bear the equalyoke of love".

Commentary: Act 3 SC 4

Lorenzo admiring Portia's nobility and her "God like amity so that she can be associated with the "bosom lover of Bassanio" (cliff notes). Portia's generosity to Antonio as Bassanio's friend exemplifies symbolizing her unprejudiced behaviour pattern.

The generosity of both Portia's and Antonio's stand as a contrast to Shylock's character. As usual in Elizabethan plays, here too "Friendship and Love" provide the theme for the play.

Elizabethans considered friendship and Love "important relationship". Portia saves Antonio

Considering her husband, Bassanio's friendship with Antonio as loving and valuable. In this scene, Shakespeare prepares his audience to the coming event - Portia's appearance in court as judge and she is presented as "a capable and audacious woman" and the "romantic heroine" the Disguise Scene" adds to the vitality of the comedy and as Antonio's life hangs in suspense.

Yet Shakespeare has been able to convince his audience that they are watching a comedy. Disguised Portia, the "Romantic Lover" keeps the audience in jovial mood seeing "The Lover, the wise and witty, bold woman" turning out to be "a woman of the world" (Cliffnotes)

ACT 3 SCENE 5 SUMMARY:

At Belmont in a garden. Lancelot with his frivial jests is irritating Jessica saying that she could be condemned for being born a jew "the sins of the father are to be laid on the children" Jessica assures him that she is already a Christian by her marriage to Lorenzo and Lancelot joking "This making of Christians will raise the price of hogs" Lorenzo joining them and pretending to be jealous seeing his wife alone with Lancelot.

Lorenzo trying to find out Jessica's opinion of Bassanio's wife. Jessica speaks so high and praiseworthy. "The Lord Bassanio lived an upright life"

For having such a blessing in his lady. He finds "the joys of heaven here on earth" Lorenzo comments, "Even such a husband hast thou of me as she is for a wife". Requesting her to keep her comments fortable talk they sit to dinner.

Mrs. C. Ekanayake, Retd. Specialist Teacher Eng. Lit., St. Anne's College, Kurunegala.