The Merchant of Venice : Summary

Plot Summary

The entire summary is discussed in a few points. If you can remember these points, it will be easier to recall the whole story. If you pay close attention, you will see that the entire play revolves mainly around four key storylines:

1. Bond Story – The story of the contract
2. Casket Story – The story of the caskets
3. Court Story – The story of the court
4. Ring Story – The story revolves around the rings

Meeting of Antonio and Bassanio in Venice: The play begins in the city of Venice, Italy. Antonio is a rich merchant. He has invested all his money in his ships at sea. He is quite anxious about when his ships will return to port. Bassanio and Gratiano are very close friends of Antonio. They come to meet Antonio. Bassanio notices that Antonio is very upset. Antonio informs them that all his ships are stuck at sea.

Bassanio tries in many ways to cheer up Antonio. Then Bassanio tells Antonio that he needs a considerable sum of money. If Antonio would give him the money, then he could compete as a suitor for Princess Portia of Belmont. Antonio says that all his money is invested in trade, and he currently has no cash. However, Antonio assures Bassanio that if he wants, he can borrow money from someone else using Antonio’s name, and Antonio himself will be the guarantor for that loan.

Portia’s Anxiety over the Unsolved Riddle: Now, the scene moves to Belmont. Portia is very upset about her marriage. She expresses her grief to her maid and friend Nerissa. She wonders aloud—will no one ever be able to solve the casket riddle set by her father? She laments that she cannot even marry according to her own choice. Many princes from different countries have tried to solve the riddle, but none have succeeded. Notable among them are the English lord, the Scottish lord, and princes from Denmark and Germany—all failed to solve the riddle. Some, upon hearing the strict marriage conditions, did not even participate. According to Portia’s marriage casket test rules, there were three harsh conditions:

• If anyone chooses the wrong casket, they can never marry.
• They must never reveal which casket they chose or attempted to choose.
• The moment someone chooses the wrong casket, they must leave Belmont immediately.

After observing all this, Portia becomes very frustrated. She later tells Nerissa that she still believes someone will come and solve the riddle. Then she begins thinking about Bassanio, hoping that he will come courageously and free her from this puzzle. At that moment, a servant informs Portia that the Prince of Morocco has accepted the casket challenge and wants to try solving the riddle.

Bassanio Borrowing Money from Shylock: The next scene returns to Venice. Bassanio goes to Shylock, a prominent moneylender in Venice. Shylock lends money at high interest. Bassanio asks to borrow 3,000 ducats from Shylock. At first, Shylock is reluctant, but when Bassanio mentions that Antonio, Venice’s biggest merchant, will be the guarantor, Shylock’s desire for revenge is sparked.

Antonio had always disapproved of Shylock’s lending practices and had insulted him in many ways. Shylock would often lend money at high interest and harshly treat those who failed to repay on time. Now, Shylock sees this as a big opportunity to get back at Antonio.

Shylock sets several conditions for this loan. According to the contract, Shylock will lend Bassanio 3,000 ducats with no interest. But the condition is that the entire sum must be paid back within three months. If the money is not repaid on time, Shylock will take a pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body.

Bassanio warns Antonio not to accept such a condition. But Antonio is confident that his ships will arrive within the specified time, after which there will be no money problem and he will easily repay Shylock. Based on this belief, Antonio agrees to the bond, and Shylock loans Bassanio the 3,000 ducats.

Shylock’s Daughter Jessica Elopes with Lorenzo: The scene now shifts back to Venice. After Bassanio receives the money from Shylock, he decides to leave for Belmont. Meanwhile, Shylock’s daughter Jessica is deeply in love with Lorenzo. Shylock would never accept this relationship, as he is a Jew and Lorenzo is a Christian. He is absolutely unwilling to let his daughter marry a Christian boy, so Jessica plans to elope with Lorenzo. Lorenzo seeks help from Gratiano, a friend of Bassanio, regarding this matter.

On the other hand, Bassanio invites Shylock to dinner. While Shylock goes out for dinner at Bassanio’s house, his daughter Jessica takes a lot of her father’s money and runs away with Lorenzo. Afterwards, Jessica and Lorenzo meet Bassanio and request him to take them along to Belmont.

The Prince of Morocco Attempts to Solve the Riddle: Now, the scene returns to Portia’s house. The Prince of Morocco comes to try his luck at the casket test. The riddle is: Portia’s father has left three caskets, each with a separate inscription. The first casket is gold and says, “Who chooses me shall gain what many men desire”; the second is silver and says, “Who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves”; and the third casket is lead, with “Who chooses me must give and hazard all he has.” Among these three caskets, only one contains Portia’s portrait. Whoever chooses the right casket, according to the will, will marry Portia.

The Prince of Morocco, laughing confidently, chooses the first casket—the gold one. Upon opening it, he does not find the portrait but rather a message: “All that glitters is not gold.” Portia, once again, feels somewhat relieved, because none of the princes who have participated so far were to her liking, and none have passed the test.

Shylock’s Lament after His Daughter Elopes with a Christian: The scene now returns to Venice. Shylock is grieving for his daughter, who has fled with a Christian boy. Shylock cannot accept this at all. Moreover, Jessica took with her a ring that had been given to Shylock by his deceased wife, which makes him even angrier. Meanwhile, the Prince of Arragon comes to solve Portia’s riddle and chooses the silver casket, which is also the wrong one.

Bassanio Chooses the Right Casket: When everyone else fails to choose the correct casket, Bassanio arrives. Bassanio takes part in the competition. Seeing Bassanio, Portia becomes very happy. She prays to God that Bassanio may choose the right casket and marry her. After Bassanio arrives, he is in a hurry to choose, but Portia tells him to be patient and think carefully. He listens to Portia and waits a few days. At this time, Bassanio expresses his true love for Portia.

After much thought, Bassanio selects the lead casket. Inside the lead casket is Portia’s portrait. Bassanio wins the competition. According to Portia’s father’s will, she can now marry Bassanio. Portia happily accepts Bassanio and, as a symbol of her love, gives him a ring and warns him never to give it away to anyone.

At this time, Jessica and Lorenzo, having escaped from Venice, arrive in Belmont. They bring news that Shylock has filed a case against Antonio with the Duke, because Antonio could not pay Shylock’s money on time. Now, as per the condition of the contract, Shylock will take a pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body. Hearing this, Bassanio becomes extremely upset and worried.

Bassanio is anxious about how he can pay back so much money, as he doesn’t have any money left. Portia notices this. While Lorenzo and Jessica are telling everything to Bassanio, Portia overhears the whole thing. Portia tells Bassanio to take double the amount (6,000 ducats) and leave for Venice at once. Bassanio, without wasting a moment, sets out with the money. Meanwhile, Portia decides to help her husband’s friend. So she disguises herself as a lawyer (Doctor Balthazar), and Nerissa disguises herself as her assistant, and they both set off for Venice.

Antonio’s Trial at the Duke’s Court: The scene now moves to the palace of the Duke of Venice. The Duke begins proceedings in his courtroom for the trial of Antonio and Shylock. In this trial, Antonio’s lawyer is Doctor Balthazar (actually Portia in disguise). Shylock tells the court that Antonio has failed to repay his debt and, according to the bond, Shylock has the right to cut one pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body. Shylock is offered twice the amount of money he lent, but he refuses any money—he only wants to cut the flesh from Antonio.

According to the contract, Shylock can take one pound of flesh, but there is no mention of blood in the agreement. Therefore, Portia orders Shylock to cut the flesh without spilling any blood. Moreover, he must take exactly one pound of flesh—no more, no less. If anything else happens, all his property will be confiscated. Half of his property will go to the state of Venice or the Duke’s treasury, and the other half to Antonio. Shylock’s life will be spared only by the Duke’s mercy

Hearing this, Shylock realizes that it is impossible to cut flesh without spilling blood. He understands his mistake and begs the Duke for forgiveness. The Duke confiscates all of Shylock’s property. Half of it goes to the state, and the other half to Antonio. Here, Antonio once again shows his generosity. He requests the Duke to give his share to Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, so that after Shylock dies, Jessica will inherit the property. Shylock has to accept this judgment and, as punishment, is forced to convert to Christianity.

After being freed, Antonio and Bassanio meet the lawyer outside the court. They want to pay the lawyer, but the lawyer refuses the money and asks for something else instead—the ring on Bassanio’s finger, which Portia had given him. Although Bassanio hesitates, he ends up giving the ring to the lawyer. After everything is finished, the lawyer (Portia) and her assistant return to Belmont. Meanwhile, Bassanio and his friends also reach Belmont.

When Portia asks Bassanio about the ring she gave him, Bassanio tries to explain in different ways, but fails. Antonio then explains the whole matter to Portia, and she is pacified. Next, Portia surprises Bassanio by giving him back the same ring. When he wants to know how this happened, Portia reveals that it was she and Nerissa in disguise. When Bassanio and Antonio learn that Portia saved Antonio, they are both overjoyed. Portia gives Jessica the contract for her half of her father’s property. At the very end, Antonio also learns that three of his ships have returned safely to port. In this way, the play ends.

Detailed Summary

Act 1, Scene 1

Antonio’s Sadness and Bassanio’s Plan: Antonio, Salarino, and Solanio are having a conversation. Antonio is sad, but he himself does not know the reason for his sorrow. His friend Salarino thinks Antonio is worried because his business ships are sailing across the sea. Antonio denies this, saying his sadness is not because of business matters. Solanio suspects Antonio might be in love, but Antonio denies this as well.

Afterward, Bassanio, Gratiano, and Lorenzo enter. Salarino and Solanio leave. Gratiano advises Antonio to be cheerful and lively. Later, when Gratiano and Lorenzo also depart, Bassanio sits beside Antonio and shares his own problem. Bassanio says he is in love with a wealthy and virtuous lady named Portia and wishes to marry her. However, due to financial hardship, he seeks help from Antonio. Antonio says all his wealth is invested in his ships at sea, but he is ready to help his friend Bassanio in any way and will arrange money for him. In this way, the scene reveals Antonio’s sadness, Bassanio’s love, and financial difficulties.

Act 1, Scene 2

Portia and her Suitor Selection: Portia says she is tired and frustrated with life. The reason is that, before dying, her father set a condition that any potential suitor must choose the correct casket (gold, silver, or lead); only then he can marry Portia. Portia is sad because she cannot marry according to her own choice.

Nerissa asks Portia about her suitors. Portia describes each of their faults—one only talks about his horse; another always looks gloomy; one is an Englishman with whom she cannot communicate; one is a Frenchman who tries to prove himself smart in every way; one is a Scottish man who is old; and one is a German who drinks too much. Portia says she does not wish to marry any of them. Nerissa reminds her about Bassanio. Portia says she remembers Bassanio and feels attracted to him. Finally, the news comes that four foreign suitors are leaving, and the Prince of Morocco is arriving. This scene expresses Portia’s sorrow, her marriage condition, her discomfort with her suitors, and her special liking for Bassanio.

Act 1, Scene 3

Bassanio’s Loan Request and Antonio’s Bond with Shylock: Bassanio goes to Shylock to borrow 3,000 ducats. He informs Shylock that Antonio will stand as guarantor. Shylock comments that Antonio’s business is risky as it depends on ships at sea, yet he trusts him because Antonio is a good man. Shylock also mentions that, as a Jew, he has previously been insulted by Antonio. Still, he agrees to help them

Then Antonio arrives. Shylock reminds him of his past rude behavior. Shylock says he will not take interest but rather wants to make a bond as a sort of joke: if Antonio cannot repay the loan on time, he must give Shylock a pound of flesh from his own body. Antonio, thinking it’s trivial, agrees. Bassanio gets very uneasy and requests Antonio not to make such a contract. But Antonio is confident that his ships will return on time and that nothing will go wrong. In the end, Shylock goes to register the contract. Although Bassanio is worried, Antonio remains confident. This scene brings out Bassanio’s need for money, Shylock’s hidden intentions in the deal, and Antonio’s overconfidence.

Act 2, Scene 1

The Prince of Morocco’s Arrival and the Preparation for Choice: The Prince of Morocco comes to Portia. The prince says no one should judge him for his dark skin. He is brave and experienced, and ready to take any risk for love. Portia explains that she cannot choose her husband herself; her father has set a condition—her suitors must choose the correct casket out of three.

The Prince is ready to take this challenge. However, Portia warns him that if he chooses the wrong casket, he must swear never to propose marriage to any other woman in his life. The Prince of Morocco agrees to this oath and wants to try his luck. Portia says that after a meal, he will get the opportunity to make his choice. They all leave the stage together. This scene highlights the Prince of Morocco’s confidence, Portia’s lack of freedom, and the preparations for choosing the casket.

Act 2, Scene 2

Lancelot Changes Jobs and Meets His Father: Lancelot, Shylock’s servant, is wondering if he should run away. In the end, he decides to leave Shylock’s house. At that moment, Lancelot’s blind father, Old Gobbo, comes looking for his son. Lancelot hides his identity as a joke at first and then reveals that he is indeed Gobbo’s son, Lancelot. Lancelot says he wants to serve Bassanio instead of Shylock. Bassanio agrees and says he will employ Lancelot. Then Gratiano arrives and says he wants to go to Belmont with Bassanio. Bassanio explains that Gratiano often jokes around too much and is a bit wild, so he must behave politely there. Everyone gets ready for their respective tasks. In this scene, Lancelot changes jobs, meets his father, and Bassanio and Gratiano prepare for their new journey.

Act 2, Scene 3

Jessica, Lancelot, and the Secret Letter: Jessica tells Lancelot that she is sad to see him leave her father’s house. She feels like their home is like a prison, and Lancelot’s cheerful presence makes it a little less dull. Jessica gives Lancelot a gold coin and tells him, “Tonight, Lorenzo will come for dinner, secretly give him this letter. Make sure my father doesn’t see you.” Lancelot bids her farewell and leaves. Alone, Jessica says she is ashamed of her father’s nature. She considers herself his daughter only by blood, not by character. If Lorenzo keeps his promise, she will become a Christian and his wife. This scene beautifully shows Jessica’s pain, her wish to escape her father’s home, and her love for Lorenzo.

Act 2, Scene 4

Lorenzo’s Plan & Jessica’s Letter: Lorenzo, Gratiano, Salarino, and Solanio are planning to bring Jessica out of Shylock’s house in disguise that night. During this, Lancelot comes and gives Jessica’s letter to Lorenzo. Lorenzo is very happy to receive the letter. By reading it, he understands how Jessica will escape, and what jewelry and money she will carry with her. Lorenzo gives Lancelot a reward and says, “Tell Jessica she can be at ease—I will come to get her.” Afterward, Salarino and Solanio leave, and Lorenzo tells Gratiano that Jessica will come with them in disguise as a torchbearer (dressed as a boy). In this scene, Lorenzo’s plans, Jessica’s secret letter, and their preparations for escape and marriage are highlighted.

Act 2, Scene 5

Shylock Going Out and Jessica’s Escape Preparations: Shylock is talking with his former servant Lancelot, comparing Bassanio and himself. He keeps calling his daughter, Jessica. When Jessica arrives, Shylock tells her he is going out tonight for a dinner invited by the Christians, though he doesn’t like them. Deep inside, Shylock feels something bad may happen since he had a nightmare about losing his money bags.

Shylock sends Lancelot ahead, and Lancelot secretly tells Jessica to watch out the window, because Lorenzo will come. Shylock sternly tells Jessica to keep the doors locked, not to look outside even if she hears any noise, and to stay inside the house. Finally, Jessica thinks—in her mind—that if everything goes well, she will leave her father’s house for good, and Shylock will lose his daughter. This scene reveals Shylock’s suspicion, Jessica’s preparations, and her firm resolve to escape.

Act 2, Scene 6

Jessica’s Escape and Meeting Lorenzo: Gratiano and Salarino are waiting for Lorenzo. When Lorenzo arrives, he explains he’s a little late. They wait under Shylock’s house, as Jessica will escape tonight. Jessica, disguised as a boy, appears at the window and calls Lorenzo. She hands him a box with jewelry and money. Jessica says she is embarrassed to be dressed as a boy, but love makes her ready to do anything.

Lorenzo tells her, as a torchbearer in disguise, to come down and join them. Jessica locks the door and comes down. Everyone quickly leaves, taking advantage of the night’s darkness. Afterwards, Antonio comes and lets Gratiano know the ship must depart right away—Bassanio is ready to leave. They all quickly set off. This scene highlights Jessica’s secret escape, the risks taken in love, and her affection for Lorenzo.

Act 2, Scene 7

The Prince of Morocco’s Test and Failure: The Prince of Morocco is shown three caskets: gold, silver, and lead. Each casket has an inscription:

• On the gold: “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire”
• On the silver: “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves”
• On the lead: “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath”

The Prince initially considers the lead and silver caskets, but finally thinks that what everyone desires must be gold—that must be Portia. So, he chooses the gold casket.

But, opening it, he finds no portrait of Portia—only a message, “All that glitters is not gold.” Disappointed and heartbroken, the prince departs. Portia is secretly pleased—she does not want such a proud man to win her. In this scene, the Prince of Morocco makes the wrong choice by taking gold, and Portia becomes even more cautious.

Act 2, Scene 8

Shylock’s Anger, Jessica’s Escape, and Antonio’s Worry: Salarino and Solanio are talking. They see that Bassanio and Gratiano have sailed to Belmont by ship, but Lorenzo and Jessica have run away together from the city. Shylock is making a commotion, telling everyone that his daughter Jessica has run away with a Christian boy, taking his money and jewels with her. He cries out in the street, “Oh, my jewels! Oh, my daughter! Oh, my money! Someone give me justice!”—which makes everyone laugh at him.

Meanwhile, Salarino and Solanio have heard that an English merchant ship has sunk at sea. They worry that it might be one of Antonio’s ships. They mention that Antonio is a very good man, and so they decide to meet him to cheer him up. This scene shows Shylock’s lament, Jessica’s escape, concern for Antonio, and the mark of true friendship.

Act 2, Scene 9

The Prince of Arragon’s Casket Test, Another Failure, and Bassanio’s Arrival in Belmont:

Nerissa and Portia appear on stage. Then comes the Prince of Arragon. He is shown the three caskets: gold, silver, and lead. The prince takes an oath that if he chooses the wrong casket, he will never marry and must leave immediately. He thinks, “What many desire” (the gold casket) should not be his choice, as it’s too common. He ignores the lead casket because it talks about too much risk. Finally, he settles on, “He will get what he deserves”—the inscription on the silver casket, because he sees himself as deserving.

He opens the silver casket and finds, instead of Portia, a puppet’s head and a note saying he is not as worthy as he thought you is. The prince leaves, ashamed and sad. Afterwards, a messenger arrives to say that a young Venetian (Bassanio’s envoy) has come with valuable gifts, and Bassanio himself is also coming. Portia and Nerissa eagerly go to meet him. This scene shows the Prince of Arragon failing the test, and the news of Bassanio’s arrival brings new hope for everyone.

Act 3, Scene 1

Antonio’s Misfortune and Shylock’s Desire for Revenge: Salarino and Solanio say that one of Antonio’s ships has sunk at sea. They worry that Antonio might face even more trouble. At that moment, Shylock appears. Shylock is very upset—his daughter Jessica has run away, taking a lot of money with her. He shows great anger toward Antonio, repeatedly saying, “He should remember his bond!” Salarino jokingly asks, “Will you really cut off Antonio’s flesh?” Shylock replies, “He has insulted me many times, so I will have my revenge. Don’t Jews have feelings, too? When they are mistreated, revenge is only natural.”

Then Tubal arrives and informs Shylock that Jessica has wasted lots of money in a new city and sold off jewelry. At the same time, Tubal tells him that another of Antonio’s great ships has been lost, and now Antonio may go bankrupt. This news makes Shylock happy; he thinks to himself that Antonio’s predicament is now his chance to take revenge. This scene shows Shylock’s sorrow, Jessica’s extravagance, financial losses, and Shylock’s schemes to bring down Antonio.

Act 3, Scene 2

Bassanio’s Right Choice, Love, and Crisis of Friendship: Bassanio finally reaches Portia’s house and takes part in the casket test for marriage. Portia wants Bassanio to delay his choice because she feels a lot of love for him and doesn’t want to lose him. Despite this, Bassanio decides to take the test that day. He thinks outward appearance often deceives people, so he skips the gold and silver caskets and chooses the humble lead casket. Upon opening it, he finds Portia’s portrait and a message saying he made the right choice. Both are overjoyed. Portia gives Bassanio a ring and asks him never to remove or lose it.

At this time, Gratiano announces that he, too, is in love with Nerissa. Portia happily gives them permission to marry as well. Suddenly, Lorenzo, Jessica, and Solanio arrive with bad news from Venice—Antonio’s ships have all sunk, and if Shylock doesn’t get his money, he will cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body! Bassanio is deeply worried. Portia is saddened and says she will provide as much money as needed, and urges Bassanio to return to Venice immediately for Antonio’s sake. Then Portia says, let the weddings be arranged quickly, afterward she will send Bassanio and his friends to Venice. In this scene, Bassanio and Portia’s love comes to fulfillment, but everyone becomes anxious learning about the imminent danger facing Antonio.

Act 3, Scene 3

Antonio’s Imprisonment and Shylock’s Ruthlessness: Shylock appears on stage with the jailer, Antonio, and Solanio. Shylock strictly instructs the jailer to keep a close watch on Antonio. Though Antonio repeatedly pleads for mercy, Shylock refuses to listen. He says he wants nothing except his pound of flesh from Antonio, as per their agreement.

Solanio remarks that he has never seen such a cruel man. Antonio sadly reasons that Shylock hates him so much because Antonio had earlier helped many people avoid paying Shylock’s interest. Solanio hopes the Duke will not support such a cruel contract. But Antonio realizes nothing can be done, as Venice’s trade would be hurt if they denied privileges to foreign merchants. Antonio only hopes Bassanio will meet him before he dies. In this scene, Antonio’s helplessness, Shylock’s cruel resolve, and the looming sense of disaster are clearly portrayed.

Act 3, Scene 4

Portia and Nerissa’s Plan to Go to Venice in Disguise: Portia, Nerissa, Lorenzo, Jessica, and Balthazar appear on stage. Lorenzo praises Portia for her generosity and greatness in helping Antonio. Portia says that true friends reflect each other, so she feels it is her duty to help Bassanio’s friend, Antonio. She then leaves the house in the care of Lorenzo and Jessica, saying she and Nerissa will spend time in prayer at a nearby convent until their husbands return. All readily agree and say goodbye.

After Lorenzo and Jessica leave, Portia sends Balthazar to Padua with a letter to fetch some clothes and documents from her cousin, Doctor Bellario, and meet her at the ferry going to Venice. Then Portia tells Nerissa that both of them will go to Venice disguised as men and do something there that even their husbands will not recognize them. The two of them joyfully leave together. In this scene, Portia and Nerissa’s preparation for disguise, their sacrifice and intelligence for their friends, and a new tension in the main story all come together.

Act 3, Scene 5

Lancelot’s Humor and the Conversation Among Jessica, Lorenzo, and Lancelot: Lancelot jokingly tells Jessica that she’ll go to hell because of her father, Shylock’s sins! He adds that Jessica’s only hope is that she isn’t really Shylock’s daughter. Jessica replies that her husband Lorenzo made her a Christian, and that will save her. Lancelot says that this is bad too, since more Christians mean more people will eat pork, and the price of pigs will go up!

Lorenzo then arrives and finds his wife Jessica and Lancelot chatting. They exchange some witty banter, and Lorenzo tells Lancelot to get the meal ready. Finally, Lorenzo asks Jessica for her opinion about Portia. Jessica says Portia is truly wonderful and Bassanio is very lucky to have her—she is a special wife in this world. Lorenzo says Jessica is also a great wife. They joke and laugh as they head inside for dinner. This scene uses simple and humorous dialogue about religion, identity, and Jessica and Lorenzo’s happy relationship.

Act 4, Scene 1

Antonio’s Trial and Shylock’s Defeat: Antonio is brought to court, with Bassanio and Gratiano also present. The Duke, with deep regret, says that Shylock, Antonio’s opponent, is extremely cruel and unmerciful. Shylock tells the judge that he only wants his penalty as stated in the bond—to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. Even when Bassanio offers twice the money, Shylock refuses it. Everyone around urges Shylock to show mercy, but he stubbornly insists on taking only what the law allows.

At this point, Portia enters the court disguised as the lawyer “Balthazar” and begins to judge the case accordingly. Portia declares that the law allows Shylock to take flesh, but the bond does not allow even a drop of blood to be shed—if it does, all Shylock’s property will be confiscated by the state. He must cut exactly one pound, not even a little more or less. Hearing this, Shylock becomes terrified and wants to take his money instead, but by then it’s too late—he will only get what the law says. Portia also declares that, as Shylock has tried to kill Antonio, half of his wealth should go to Antonio, with the other half to the state. The Duke pardons him and says he can live if he converts to Christianity and leaves his property to Jessica and Lorenzo. A defeated and broken Shylock accepts these terms.

At the end, Portia and Nerissa try to leave, and Bassanio expresses his deep gratitude, offering a gift. Portia declines everything except the ring she had earlier given to Bassanio; under pressure from his friends, Bassanio gives it up. This scene brilliantly showcases the conflict between justice, mercy, law, and revenge, as well as Portia’s wisdom.

Act 4, Scene 2

The Ring Exchange and Portia-Nerissa’s Plan: After the court scene, Portia and Nerissa are still in disguise. Portia instructs Nerissa to go to Shylock’s house and get his signature on the contract document. Portia says they will try to reach Belmont a day ahead of their husbands. At this time, Gratiano arrives and gives Portia the ring Bassanio had given him, inviting “the lawyer” (Portia in disguise) to dinner. Portia (still disguised) gratefully accepts and keeps the ring.

Then, Nerissa says she would like to get her own husband’s (Gratiano’s) ring in the same way, because Gratiano had also sworn to keep it. Portia laughs and says she surely can; later, both husbands will have to make a lot of excuses to their wives. After that, Nerissa goes with Gratiano to find Shylock’s house. This scene shows the wit of Portia and Nerissa, their playful tricks, and gives a hint of the coming comic drama.

Act 5, Scene 1

The End of All Conflicts and a Happy Conclusion: At night, under the moonlight, Lorenzo and Jessica talk about their love and remember old stories of love. They hear from Stephano that Portia and Nerissa are returning; Lancelot arrives and says that Bassanio and the others are also coming. Lorenzo and Jessica prepare to welcome Portia and company to the house.

There is a peaceful, quiet atmosphere with soothing music. Portia and Nerissa quietly enter the house. Then, when Bassanio, Antonio, and Gratiano arrive, playful quarrels begin—the wives ask about the rings and tease their husbands for losing them, leading to hilarious arguments. At last, Portia and Nerissa reveal their true identities—they are the lawyer and the clerk in disguise! Everyone is amazed. Portia cheers Antonio up by telling him, through a letter, that some of his ships have safely reached port. Jessica and Lorenzo also learn that they will inherit a share of Shylock’s property—this brings more happiness. When all misunderstandings and problems are resolved, everyone goes inside happily. In this scene, themes of love, friendship, forgiveness, and joy are beautifully and humorously concluded.