The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare | Act 2, Scene 5

Summary

In Act 2 Scene 5 of 'The Merchant of Venice', Launcelot delivers an invitation to Bassanio's dinner and slyly advises him to compare his new master with his old. He also warns Jessica to stay indoors, reflecting Shylock's strict control over her. Jessica's eagerness to leave home and elope with Lorenzo is driven by her desire for freedom and her resentment of her father's religious and protective restrictions.

Takeaways

• 📜 In Act 2 Scene 5 of 'The Merchant of Venice', Launcelot delivers an invitation to Bassanio's dinner on behalf of Shylock.
• 😏 Launcelot snidely comments that Bassanio will be able to judge the difference between his new master and his old one.
• 🚪 Before leaving for dinner, Shylock warns his daughter Jessica to close and lock all doors and windows.
• 👀 Shylock instructs Jessica not to look outside or allow the sounds of merriment from the streets into their home.
• 🤫 Launcelot takes Jessica aside to tell her to keep an eye out at the window for Lorenzo.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Lorenzo notices the exchange between Launcelot and Jessica but is reassured by Jessica that it was just a farewell.
• 🏠 The scene provides evidence of Jessica's hostility towards her father, stemming from his strict rules and isolation of her from the outside world.
• 🚫 Shylock's rules are likely rooted in his religion and paternal love, aiming to protect Jessica from the perceived sinful behavior of the outside world.
• 💔 Jessica's resentment towards her father's constraints is a typical teenage reaction, influencing her desire to elope with Lorenzo.
• 💍 Jessica's decision to elope and convert is driven by her desire for freedom from her father's control, as well as her love for Lorenzo.

Q & A

What does Launcelot bring to Bassanio in Act 2 Scene 5 of The Merchant of Venice?

Launcelot brings an invitation to Bassanio's dinner in Act 2 Scene 5.

How does Launcelot's comment to Bassanio suggest he will be able to judge the difference between his new master and his old one?

Launcelot's snide comment implies that Bassanio's dinner will provide an opportunity for him to compare the personalities and behaviors of his new master, Bassanio, with his old master, Shylock.

What instructions does Launcelot give to Jessica before he leaves for dinner?

Launcelot warns Jessica to close and lock all the doors and windows, not to look outside, and to not allow the sounds of merriment in the streets into her home.

Why does Jessica tell Lorenzo that Launcelot was just telling her goodbye?

Jessica tells Lorenzo that Launcelot was just saying goodbye to avoid arousing suspicion about their actual conversation, which was about keeping an eye out at the window for Lorenzo.

What does Act 2 Scene 5 reveal about Jessica's feelings towards her father, Shylock?

Act 2 Scene 5 suggests that Jessica is hostile towards her father due to his strict rules that isolate her from the outside world.

How does Shylock's strictness towards Jessica reflect his religious and paternal concerns?

Shylock's strict rules for Jessica likely stem from his desire to protect her as a father and his religious beliefs, aiming to shield her from what he perceives as the sinful behavior of the outside world.

Why is Jessica eager to leave home quickly, especially without Launcelot around?

Jessica is eager to leave home quickly because she resents her father's constraints and desires to experience the freedom and merriment that Launcelot represents.

How does Jessica's perception of Judaism relate to her resentment of her father's limitations on her?

Jessica's perception of Judaism is likely tainted by her resentment of the restrictions placed on her by her father, which she associates with her religion.

What motivates Jessica's desire to elope with Lorenzo and convert to Christianity?

Jessica's desire to elope with Lorenzo and convert is driven by her wish to free herself from her father's constraints and to embrace a different lifestyle.

How does the music in the transcript reflect the mood and themes of Act 2 Scene 5?

The music in the transcript serves to underscore the tension and conflict between Jessica's desire for freedom and Shylock's protective, yet restrictive, love.