The Merchant of Venice · Chapter
Scene V explained
Shylock prepares to go to supper at Bassanio's, entrusting his keys to Jessica and warning her to lock up the house against the masques.
What happens
Shylock prepares to go to supper at Bassanio's, entrusting his keys to Jessica and warning her to lock up the house against the masques. Launcelot Gobbo, now in Bassanio's service, hints at the upcoming festivities. After Shylock leaves, Jessica reveals her intention to betray her father and elope with Lorenzo.
Themes in this chapter
Prejudice and Anti-Semitism
Shylock's suspicion of Christians and his reference to 'Christian fools' highlights the deep religious and social divides.
Appearance vs. Reality
Jessica's outward obedience to her father contrasts with her secret plan to elope, and Shylock's feigned compliance with the invitation masks his hatred.
Characters to notice
- Shylock
Gives Jessica his keys, expresses distrust of Christians, and warns her to lock up the house.
- Jessica
Receives her father's keys and secretly plans to elope with Lorenzo.
- Launcelot Gobbo
Now serving Bassanio, he hints at the masque and teases Jessica about a Christian suitor.
Key passages
“But yet I'll go in hate, to feed upon The prodigal Christian.”
I will go to Bassanio's dinner, but only out of spite, to eat his food and watch him waste his money.
Shylock reveals his true motive for accepting the invitation.
“Fast bind, fast find; A proverb never stale in thrifty mind.”
If you lock things up securely, you'll find them safe later—a saying that never grows old for a frugal person.
Shylock's parting advice to Jessica emphasizes his thrifty and cautious nature.
“Farewell; and if my fortune be not crost, I have a father, you a daughter, lost.”
Goodbye; if my luck holds, you will lose a daughter and I will lose a father.
Jessica's soliloquy foreshadows her elopement and the break with her father.