The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare | Act 2, Scene 6

Summary

In Act 2 Scene 6 of 'The Merchant of Venice', Lorenzo, Gratiano, and Salanio discuss love while waiting for Lorenzo outside Shylock's house. Jessica, disguised as a boy, brings a chest of gold and jewels to aid their escape. Lorenzo reassures her of her loveliness, and they plan to flee together. Graziano comments on Jessica's gentle nature, indicating her potential conversion to Christianity. The scene explores themes of love, bravery, and the rejection of traditional femininity.

Takeaways

• 🎭 In Act 2 Scene 6 of 'The Merchant of Venice', Gratiano and Salerio meet Lorenzo outside Shylock's house.
• 💬 They discuss the wonders of love to pass the time while waiting for Lorenzo.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Lorenzo arrives and asks them to keep watch as Jessica, disguised as a boy, appears from Shylock's house.
• 💰 Jessica throws down a chest filled with gold and jewels, indicating her decision to leave her father.
• 😳 She is embarrassed by her boyish disguise but believes it's safer for her to travel.
• 💖 Lorenzo reassures Jessica of her loveliness, regardless of her appearance.
• 🏃‍♀️ Jessica returns to the house to collect more money, showing her resourcefulness.
• 🚢 Graziano comments on Jessica's gentle nature, indicating she is not like other Jews, and has quickly formed a positive opinion of her.
• 🌪️ Bassanio's ship is ready to depart as the winds have changed, and he is searching for Graziano.
• 🚀 Graziano enthusiastically joins Antonio on the voyage, showing his adventurous spirit.
• 🌐 Jessica's decision to leave her family, society, and culture to be with Lorenzo reflects her bravery and love.
• 👥 The Christians' acceptance of Jessica, who intends to convert, contrasts with their views on Shylock, highlighting religious and cultural differences.
• 👦 Jessica's choice of a boy's disguise for her escape symbolizes a rejection of traditional femininity and societal expectations.

Q & A

What are Gratiano and Salarino doing outside Shylock's house?

Gratiano and Salarino are wearing masks and waiting outside Shylock's house to meet Lorenzo, discussing the wonders of love to pass the time because Lorenzo is late.

How does Jessica appear when she meets Lorenzo?

Jessica appears above, disguised as a boy, and exchanges greetings with Lorenzo.

What does Jessica throw down from the window?

Jessica throws down a chest filled with gold and jewels.

Why is Jessica dressed as a boy?

Jessica is dressed as a boy because she believes it's safer for her to travel in disguise.

How does Lorenzo reassure Jessica about her appearance?

Lorenzo reassures Jessica that she is lovely regardless of her appearance as a boy.

What does Lorenzo admire about Jessica?

Lorenzo admires Jessica for her wisdom, fairness, and loyalty.

What does Jessica do when she goes back into the house?

Jessica goes back into the house to collect a little more money.

What does Graziano say about Jessica when she leaves?

Graziano says that Jessica is a gentle and no Jew, indicating he has just met her and reached this conclusion based on observing her for a short time.

Why is Bassanio looking for Graziano?

Bassanio is looking for Graziano because the winds have changed, and Bassanio is ready to depart on a voyage.

How does Graziano react when Antonio arrives?

Graziano enthusiastically joins Antonio on the voyage.

What does Jessica's choice of disguise symbolize?

Jessica's choice of disguise as a page or servant boy symbolizes a rejection of traditional femininity and her willingness to take a risk to be with Lorenzo.

How does Jessica's act of bringing gold to their union reflect her sense of equality?

Jessica's act of bringing gold indicates a sense of equality as she does not expect Lorenzo to provide their sole means of financial support.