Merchant of Venice Summary and Key Quotes

Act 1 Scene 1Antonio speaks of his sadness. His friends suggest it could be due to his money he has invested in ships or love for someone. He denies that it is love. Bassanio explains how he wishes to woo Portia. Antonio says he would be glad to help him get to Belmont."I know not why I am so sad" Antonio"In Belmont is a lady richly left" Bassanio

Act 1 Scene 2The audience learn of the caskets and their riddles. Portia and Nerissa discuss previous suitors and how Portia liked one of them. At the end we hear that Portia has met and likes Bassanio but has another suitor coming to see her."The will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father" Portia"Whiles we shut the gate upon one wooer, another knocks at the door" Portia

Act 1 Scene 3Bassanio and Antonio first visit Shylock to discuss creating the bond for 3000 ducats. In an aside to the audience, we learn that Shylock hates Antonio for his religion and will try and harm him. The bond is created as a 'want for friendship' from Shylock so Antonio won't pay money for being idle but will give Shylock a pound of his flesh. "3 thousand ducats, well" Shylock"I hate him for he is a Christian" Shylock

Act 2 Scene 1The Prince of Morocco arrives to take on the casket challenge. Portia says she cannot go against her father and will use the caskets. The Prince will choose a casket after dinner."Mislike me not for my complexion" Morocco

Act 2 Scene 2Lancelot Gobbo *Shylock's servant* considers and then decides to leave Shylock's service. Gobbo's father arrives who is nearly blind and doesn't recognise him. Gobbo decides to play a trick. Eventually Lancelot convinces Old Gobbo he is his son. Lancelot plans to work for Bassanio. Gratiano wants to go with Bassanio to Belmont but Bassanio tells him to mind his manners. He promises he will.

Act 2 Scene 3Jessica doesn't want Lancelot to go. She gives him a letter to give secretly to Lorenzo. She wants to marry him, abandon Shylock and become a Christian.

Act 2 Scene 4Lancelot delivers Jessica's letter. Lorenzo tells Gratiano of his plans to disguise her as a man to get her out. Plans for a masque are made.

Act 2 Scene 5Shylock goes to Bassanio's for dinner leaving Jessica alone in the house. Shylock is glad to be rid of Lancelot. Jessica looks forward to leaving her father for Lorenzo.

Act 2 Scene 6Gratiano and Salarino wait for a late Lorenzo outside Shylock's house. Jessica is embarrassed as a boy but is ready to go having stolen from her father. Lorenzo speaks of his love for Jessica then elopes with her.

Act 2 Scene 7Morocco considers which casket to choose. He selects gold and finds a skull with a dismissive message inside it. Morocco then leaves to go home, to Portia's relief.

Act 2 Scene 8Bassanio and Gratiano have left for Belmont. Jessica has left with Lorenzo. Solanio speaks of Shylock's anger at the situation. He also hopes the shipwreck he has heard about is not Antonio's.