Summary of Act I Scene I-Act II, Scene IX
Act-I
Scene - I
The
play opens wilh the merchant Antonio in a strange melancholy or sadness, which
is not explained in the play. He is in a street in Venice along with his two
friends Salarino and Salanio, The friends try
to
explain the reason for his sad state, though Antonio himself does not get
convinced, Later two more of his friends, Gratiano and Lorenzo also come along
with Bassanio. Gratiano also tries to give his own explanation for Antonio’s
sadness and is little bit sarcastic in his comments. Antonio takes the comments
lightly. and when they go away. starts a serious discussion with Bassanio,
inquiring about his trip to meet Portia.
The
very first scene of the play makes us understand how friendly and close
Bassanio and Antonio are to each other.
Salarino’s
cxplanation for Antonio’s sadness- Antonio is sad because he (being a rich shipping
merchant) is concerned about (the safety) of his ships which are presently in
the ocean (coming to Venice),
Salanio’s
cxplanation for Antonio’s sadness- He says that if he (Salanio) had such
business abroad (in the ocean), as Antonio has his mind would definitely have
remained concerned with such business.
Indirectly
he meant to say that it was not surprising if Antonio was sad presently.
Salanio
himself would have remained –
•
he would be looking at the maps to find out the ports, harbours and the roads
(directions) through which the ships would move:
•
anything, which could make him fear misfortune to his venture, would have made
him sad.
He
meant to say that something similar was happening with Antonio presently,
Salarinos
examples to explain his fears, if he happened to be in place of Antonio -
Salarino explains that:
If
he happened to blow wind in order to cool his broth, it would remind him of the
harm (or destruction) that great wind would do to his ships at sea, and this
thought, in turn, would make him suffer from ague (a fever).
He
would not prefer to see the sandy hour-glass because the sand of the hour glass
would remind him of the shallow water and the flat plateau of the ocean surface
where his ship would get stuck and would turn down, bringing the top portion
lower than the sides to touch the sand of the sea.
•
wealthy Andrew - refers to a ship with goods
•
ribs - the side of the ship
•
kiss - touch; burial the sand bed
If
he happens to go to a church and see its stony structure. It would remind him
of the dangerous rocks. which, if they touch the sides of his ships, would
break the ship and would scatter the cargo of
spices
on the sea-water and would also cover the waves with the silk from the ship.
Salarino
added that such misfortune would mean that one moment he was rich and the next
moment he was worth nothing Anybody who thinks all these would also think thai
such thing may actually happen and this thought would definitely make the
person (Antonio presently) sad.
Janus
- Roman God of doors and gates. Also the protector of state in the time of war,
He is always depicted with two heads, looking in the opposite directions,
Nestor
- Old king of Pylos (ancient Greece), famous for his wisdom and long age. A
person, who was considered serious and grave.
Gratiano’s
explanation for Antonio’s sadness - Antonio remains too much worried about
worldly matters. He adds that a person loses his happiness if he tries to get
it by showing too much concern about worldly matters
Gratiano’s
sarcastic comments about Antonio’s sad state - He said that they were people
who try to cover their faces intentionally with stillness (seriousness) so that
others would think
of
them as persons of wisdom gravity and profound conceit (great pride). Such
people also make others think that whatever they say should be taken as God’s
voice and when they speak, no one else
should
speak. He became more sarcastic by adding that such people remain wise till the
time they do not open their mouths. The moment they open their mouths, the
listener would call them fools and thus get cursed. (In Bible, calling ones brother
a fool was like getting cursed) He gave a parting advice to Antonio by saying
that he should not try to catch this opinion of being wise by remaining
(intentionally)
in a sad state.
•
melancholy bait - using sadness as a bait
•
gudgeon - an ordinary fish, which gets caught very easily
Act-I
Scene – II
The
scene introduces Portia, who is in her home in Belmont. Her father is dead and
has left behind huge fortune for her and this has created great problems for
her. Suitors from around the world are coming to win her. The other great problem
that she faces is that, in his will, her father had set a condition that who so
ever chooses the right casket from the three, (the three caskets are mae of
gold, silver and lead; one of the three contains the portrait of Portia, the
right casket is the casket containing the portrait of Portia), will marry
Portia. Portia did not have any other option but to marry that person, even if she
did not like him or failed to love him.
In
the scene, Portia is discussing her problems with her attendant, Nerrisa.
Nerrisa speaks in favour of Portia’s father and explains that Portia’s father
was a virtuous person and all virtuous persons get good inspirations at the
time of their death; meanjng that Portia need not worry about her suitors, as a
person who rightly, loved Portia, would be the person, who will choose the
right casket.
Already
six suitors have come to win Portia and it seems that Portia has already met
them, Nerrisa wants to know what Portia feels about the six suitors.
Portia
gives her own explanation but adds that she would be very happy if all of them
returned home saving Portia from marrying one of them. To Portia’s luck, all
six decide not to take part in the
lottery
in order to win Portia. They said that they would like to win and marry Portia,
but not by lottery. Portia is relieved and happy, but then the message comes
that the Prince of Morocco is now coming for the same purpose.
The
scene is also making the readers understand that Portia and Bassanio have met
earlier, probably once, and Portia [and even Nerrisa] carry a good opinion of
Bassanio.
The
way Portia describes the various suitors, gives the image of Portia, She has
great charm, intelligence, wit, imagination and knowledge.
Different
suitors and their description (and Portia’s comment on them) as given by Portia
:-
•
Neapolitan prince- The Prince of Naples (a place in Italy) – he is just like a
horse (colt); he does nothing but talk about his horse; he thinks that it is
one of his great qualities that he can fix the shoe-horse to his horse,
himself; Portia feared that his mother was not faithful and had a wrong
relationship with a blacksmith.
•
County Palatine- The Count from Palatinate (a place in Germany) - the only
thing that he does is to frown; he seems to be a person who probably does not
care whether Portia chooses him or not; even when he hears merry tales he does
not smile; since he is so full of sadness in his youth , when he grows old he
will be like a philosopher who always weeps; Portia would prefer marrying a
skull
(a
skull with a bone in its mouth) than any of the two suitors. She prayed to God
to protect her from these two suitors.
Monsieur
Le Bon- The Lord from France - Since God has made him a man for that reason
only he can be called a man (he does not have any manly qualities). Portia says
that it is a sin to mock at
somebody,
but she cannot help mocking at the French Lord; he talks about a horse more
than the Prince of Naples; he frowns more than the Count of Palatinate: he is
not a proper man as he has the bad qualities of every man; even if a throstle
(the bird - thrush, a small British bird) sings, he starts jumping and dancing:
he does fencing with his own shadow. If Portia marries him, it would he like
marrying twenty husbands. She adds that if the Lord hates her, she would still
forgive him, but if he loves her greatly. she would not be able to return his love.
•
Falconbridge - The young Baron of England - Portia did not say anything to him;
this is because the English man did not understand Latin, French or Italian;
Portia on the other hand did not know English well; though the English man was
a proper man, but Portia would not love to marry a person with whom she would
have to converse in sign language: he was very oddly dressed - his doubllet was
from Italy, his hose was from France. and his hat was from Germany and he
showed behaviour of many countries. (Remember the Pun here – ‘suit’ means that
he was not suited for Portia; the second meaning was that he was not properly
dressed.)
•
Englishman’s neighbour. The Lord from Scotland - He has love for his neighbour (an
English man); he received one blow from him; he promised that he would repay
him [return the blow] when he is in a position to do this; a Frenchman had
given a sealed guarantee to help. (Here Shakespeare has made a sarcastic
comment on the troubles between Scotland and England in general, when France
gave an open support to Scotland, that in case of an English attack, they would
help Scotland.)
•
The young German – the nephew of Duke of Saxon – she liked him very badly in
the morning when he was not drunk; in the afternoon he was worse as he used to
be drunk then; when he was at his best, he was miserable man and when he was at
his worst, he was hardly better than a beast; even if the worst thing happens
(that is the German happens to choose the right casket, and becomes eligible to
marry
Portia), Portia would manage to avoid marrying him.
•
good council the cripple - good advice is like a lame person which moves slowly
•
Sibylla - Sibyl- a traditional old woman of ancient Rome, whom Apollo had
promised that she would live as many years as there were grains of sand in a
handful; here it means a very old lady.
•
Diana - Goddess of moon and hunting. She symbolizes virtue, chastity and
virginity.
•
Marquis -:- Is an Italian noble title.
•
Montferrat - Is the name of a place in Italy in around fifteenth century
Act-I
Scene – III
The
present scene again shifts to Venice, but the more significant aspect of the
scene is the introduction of Shylock, the rich Jew money lender. When Antonio
told Bassanio to arrange for the money (which Bassanio required for his trip to
visit Portia), from the money market of Venice in his name, Shakespeare has
made Bassanio come in contact with Shylock, in spite of all the hatred that
Christians and Jews had for each other.
The
scene makes it clear to what extent Antonio and Shylock hate each other.
Shylock clearly mentions the injustices Antonio has heaped upon him. In the
present play the major aspect of the hatred relates to the system in which
Christians lend money without charging interest where as the Jews lend money on
interest. Shylock plays his role better by adjusting his mood as per the
situation.When Antonio shows his anger, Shylock does not react and probably,
follows his own statement that sufferance is the characteristic of the Jews.
Finally it is Shylock who shows his shrewd mind by adding a condition in ‘merry
sport’, Antonio, probably being very sure of his ability to repay the loan,
overlooks the hidden danger, though Bassanio is not very happy.
The
way Antonio used to insult Shylocks-
•
Antonio used to abuse Shylock at Rialto about his money business and the
interest he charged on his money that he lent.
•
He called Shylock a misbeliever.
•
He called him a cut throat dog.
•
Spit upon Shylock’s gabardine (his robe).
•
Emptied is rheum upon Shylock’s beard.
•
Kicked Shylock as one kicks a dog which tries to enter the house.
The
kindness that Shylock showed and the condition that he puts as ‘merry sport’ –
When
Antonio told Shylock angrily that he need not lend money as a friend, Shylock
showed his cool shrewd mind by remaining calm and even telling Antonio that he
would give him money without charging any interest. But in ‘merry sport’ would add
a condition that if Antonio fails to repay the fixed amount at the fixed date
and fixed place, Shylock would, as penalty, extract a pound of flesh from any
part of Antonio’s body that Shylock pleases.
The
reference of Jacob –
Abraham
is considered as the patriarch from whom all Jews trace their decent. Isaac is
the son of Abraham and father of Jacob and Esau (his twin but elder brother). Jacob
was the third in the line of heirs to family estates. The first one being
Abraham and the second Isaac. Jacob should not have been the third heir as Esau
was elder to Jacob. But Jacob’s mother played a trick to have Jacob as Isaac’s
heir.
Jacob
had gone to serve for a time under his uncle Laban. An agreement was made
between Jacob and Laban that Jacob should receive for his services the lambs
which were born with spots and stripes. During the breeding season Jacob placed
wooden rods in such a position that the shadows of the rods fell on the sheep.
By this means Jacob is said to have influenced the sheep so much that almost
all the
lambs
were born spotted or striped, and thus became the property of Jacob.
Shylock
gave this example to explain that even the holy books state that one should get
some profit for one’s work. Therefore charging interest on the money that he
lent was not wrong.
Why
shylock refuses to dine with Antonio -
Antonio
being a Christian, eats pork, whereas Shylock being a Jew does not eat pork as
the Jews consider Pigs as dirty. This refers to the story from the Bible where
it is mentioned that once there was a mad man who was possessed by devils. He
had pleaded Jesus to free him of the devils. Jesus had ordered the devils to
leave the man. There happened to be a herd of pigs feeding by the hillside
nearby. The evil spirits begged that they should be send into the pigs. So
Jesus gave them the permission and the spirits entered the pigs. For this reason
pigs are considered as dirty by the Jews.
Reference
of tax-collector -
‘Publican’
word is used for tax-collector. Even in bible the reference of tax-collector
has been used in a derogatory manner. Publican is a natural term of contempt
for the Jews. In order to curse Antonio, Shylock addresses him as a fawning
[servile] tax collector.
Act-II
Scene – I
The
scene starts with the arrival of the Prince of Morocco, another suitor coming
to win Portia, We understand that Pieria does not want to marry the Prince who
is of ‘dark skin’. But the tragic thing
is
that her father had put such a condition that if the prince chooses the right
casket, Portia would not have the choice to refuse to marry him.
The
different things, the prince of Morocco says in defence of himself:-
It
can be assumed at the beginning of the scene itself that the prince, who is
from a country in Africa, a person with a very dark complexion, will not prove
to be a person for whom Portia will develop a feeling of love or any sort of
liking. The price seems to be aware of it and on his own starts giving an explanation
that he should not be disliked merely for his dark skin.
The
things he says to defend his dark complexion-
•
his dark complexion is because he is more exposed to sun [his country being the
‘neighbour’ of the sun],
•
if a person very fair, is brought from a country from the northern part of the
world, a cold country, where the sun (Phoebus) fails to melt the icicles and a
cut is made on the skin, then his blood will not prove to be less redder than
the other person. Meaning that the prince has more feelings of love than the
fairer person,
•
his dark appearance frightens the bravest person,
•
the most beautiful ladies of his country have loved him for his dark
complexion,
•
he would not like to change his complexion: the only reason he would do it. is
to seek her love and to attract her attention.
The
things he says in praise of himself -
•
with the help of his sword he has killed the king and the prince
of
Persia.
•
he has won three battles against the Sultan of Turkey
•
he can out stare the boldest man on the earth.
•
he is braver than the most daring man on earth
•
he can take away the young sucking cubs from the mother bear
•
he can mock [challenge] the lion who is roaring in search of his prey.
Act-II
Scene – II
The
scene introduces the comic character of the play, Launcelot. He is presently
working as a servant to Shylock. The conversation between himself and his
father makes the readers understand that he
has
decided to leave the work at Shylock’s house and wants to work for Bassanio.
The
dialogue which takes place between the father and the son is not serious in
nature and does not carry much serious meaning.The humour consists in
ridiculous mistakes and wrong uses of words which Launcelot introduces in his
speeches. Shylock’s image of a miserly and cruel person is furthered by
Launcelot’s hatred of him.
The
scene can be divided into three parts. In the first part Launcelot debates with
himself whether he should leave Shylock’s work and take up the service of
Bassanio. In the second part, Shakespeare has brought Bassanio together with
Launcelot and Bassanio readily agrees to take Launcelot into his service. The
third part of the scene shows Gratiano requesting Bassanio to take him to Belmont,
where he assures that he would behave in proper manner.
Act-II
Scene – III
This
scene introduces Jessica, the daughter of Shylock. A struggle is going on in
her heart between her loyalty to her father and her love for Lorenzo, a
Christian whom she intendes to marry. The eagerness with which she wants to
leave her father’s house, adds to Shylock’s image of a mean person. She gives a
message to Launcelot to be delivered to Lorenzo.
Act-II
Scene - IV
This
scene devolops the subject of Jessica running away with Lorenzo. Lornezo
receives the letter of Jessica and is happy to know that Jessica has finally
made her plan to run away with him.
Act-II
Scene - VI
This
scene tells us of the development of Jessica with Lorenzo. Jessica does this,
carrying all the gold, jewels and the ducats of her father. Gratiano and
Salarino, wearing masks, are waiting for Lorenzo
in
front of Shylock’s house for Lorenzo. He is late. Lorenzo and others finally do
not participate in the masque celebration as Antonio tells them that the wind
is favourable and Bassanio has to move by ship to Belmont.
Act-II
Scene - VII
This
is the first of the three scenes, where a separate suitor will be coming to
choose the right casket. Prince of’Morocco is coming in the scene and
deliberates over the three caskets and ends up choosing the wrong casket.
Shakespeare
has made the prince speak –
•
separately about lead, silver and gold caskets;
•
the reson why the prince chooses the gold caskets and
•
what truth is revealed in the caskets. The prince proves to be materialistic
man.
How
the Prince of Moracco tries to find out the right casket –
•
the inscription on the gold casket- ‘Who chooseth shall gain what many men
desire’.
•
the inscription on the silver casket - ‘Who cooseth me shall get as much as he
deserves’
•
the inscription on the lead casket - ‘Who chooseth me must give and hazard all
he hath’
•
after reading the inscriptions, he asked Portia how he would know the right
casket, she explained that the right casket contains her picture.
•
The prince started with the lead casket. He thinks why anybody would give and
risk everything for lead. A golden mind would not stoop to get something
worthless [like lead]. He decides not to
choose
lead casket. For silver casket, he thought that since it said that one would
get as much as one deserved, one should evaluate oneself impartially. But one’s
right evaluation may not be sufficient
enough
to get the lady [Portia]. But the Prince thought that he should not be afraid
of thinking what he actually deserved - it was definitely Portia.
•
He said that he deserved Portia
–because
of his noble birth,
–
becuusc of his great fortune
–
because of his natural qualities [graces]
–
because of his breeding [upbringing
–
because of his love for Portia
•
But before he almost decides for Silver casket, he moves to see the golden
casket. The casket says that one may get what many men desire. He thinks that
everybody desires for Portia as suitors are
coming
from all parts of the earth.
•
He finally thinks of deciding and says that it would be damnation to think of
so base a metal as lead; and silver was ten times undervalued to gold. A gem,
as rich as Portia, cannot be set in silver. So it has to be Golden casket only.
He finally chooss the golden casket.
The
poem written on the scroll -
One
has often heard that all that glitters is not gold Many people have given their
lives just to see the gold which covers the casket. Gold plated tombs also have
worms inside them. If you had been as
wise
as you are bold, as sound [experienced) in judgement as you are strong in body;
then youwould not have been given the answer that is written on the scroll. You
are bid farewell as your effort has failed.
Act-II
Scene – VIII
The
two important developments or this scene are –
–
Shylock discovers
•
that his daughter Jessica has run away with a Christian
•
she has also stolen all the jewels, gold and ducats from his house.
This
increases his hatred for Christians and his desire to take revenge.
The
scene also starts giving indications that all may not be well with Antonio, as
rumours that he may have lost his ship starts coming up.
As
Bassanio had set sail the very night Jessica had run away, Shylock suspects
that Jessica and Loreze must be on the ship. Shylock gets into a confused state
of outrage and uncontrollabel passion. In their conversation Salanio and
Salarino bring out the great love Antonio has for his friend Bassanio.
Act-II
Scene - IX
In
this scene the second suitor, the prince of Arragon is coming to choose the
right casket in order to win Portia. Fortunately for Portia, this prince also
chooses the wrong casket. He chooses the silver casket.
The
conditions repeated by the prince :-
•
he will not be disclosing to anyone which casket he chose
•
if thefails to choose the right casket, never in his life he will woo a lady
for marriage
•
if he fails to choose the right casket, straight away he will leave the place
and go away.
How
the prince tries to choose the right casket :
•
for the lead casket he say the following :-
·
by
‘many men’, the prince meant the foolish masses.
·
such
people, choose those things which look good outwardly
·
such
people do not learn more than what their sight can make them understand; they
do not look inside or look for the inner meaning, they are like the martlet,
which builds nest on the outer wall, which is exposed to the nature, where
disaster can be forced and which is on the path of danger.
·
the
prince thought that he would not go with what the common people desire.
·
he
does not want to go along with the common people and rank himself among the
ignorant and foolish.
·
for
the silver casket, which said that one shall get as much as one deserves, the
prince thought that it was quite right.
·
the
prince thought that a person cannot cheat fate by trying to be honourable
without having own merit.
·
one
should got pretend to have the dignity that one does not deserve
·
if only estates degrees, and offices were not
obtained in a dishonest manner and real honour was obtained through merit only
·
if
this was done, many who stand bare-head [without honour] would have actually
stood with their head covered [with honour] and many who are giving command
today, would have been
commanded
[obeyed orders] by others. how many low peasantry [people without merit, not
really
noble]
would then have been separated (gleaned) from the present noble group. conversely,
how many noble people would then have been separated from the group which
presently lies in rain, and given fresh honour.
In
this manner he rejects the lead and the gold casket, and finally
choose
the silver casket.
What
is written on the scroll found inside the silver casket-
•
The silver casket was refined in the fire seven times
•
a correct judgement that does not go wrong is also tested
seven
times
•
there are many people who believe in what is not [illusion];
such
people get only illusion of happiness.
•
there are foolish people, whose foolishness is covered just
because
they themselves are covered with white [silvery’ hair and this
was
the case with this casket..
•
no matter whom you will take as your wife, you will remain a
foolish
person.
·
•
so go away, your chance is over.