The Merchant of Venice · Chapter
Scene VI explained
Gratiano and Salarino wait under a pent-house for Lorenzo, who arrives late.
What happens
Gratiano and Salarino wait under a pent-house for Lorenzo, who arrives late. Lorenzo calls to Jessica, who appears above in boy's clothes. She throws down a casket and descends, having taken more ducats. They leave for Bassanio's feast. Antonio arrives and tells Gratiano there will be no masque that night as Bassanio is about to sail.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Friendship
Lorenzo and Jessica's elopement is driven by love, while Gratiano and Salarino's loyalty to Lorenzo highlights friendship.
Gender and Disguise
Jessica disguises herself as a boy to escape, reflecting the theme of gender transformation and concealment.
Characters to notice
- Gratiano
Waits for Lorenzo, comments on the nature of love and desire.
- Salarino
Accompanies Gratiano in waiting for Lorenzo.
- Lorenzo
Arrives late to meet Jessica and elope with her.
- Jessica
Appears above in boy's clothes, throws down a casket of ducats, and descends to elope with Lorenzo.
- Antonio
Arrives to inform Gratiano that the masque is cancelled and Bassanio is about to sail.
Key passages
“For lovers ever run before the clock.”
Lovers are always early because they are eager.
Gratiano comments on the impatience of lovers.
“All things that are, Are with more spirit chased than enjoy’d.”
Everything is pursued with more enthusiasm than it is enjoyed once obtained.
Gratiano reflects on the fleeting nature of desire.
“But love is blind and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves commit.”
Love makes people overlook their own silly mistakes.
Jessica excuses her cross-dressing by invoking love's blindness.