# Scene II explained — The Merchant of Venice

> Chapter companion for The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In Belmont, Portia urges Bassanio to delay choosing a casket, expressing her fear of losing him. Bassanio insists on choosing immediately. As he contemplates the caskets, he reflects on the deceptive nature of outward appearances and selects the lead casket, winning Portia's hand. Gratiano reveals he has secured Nerissa's promise of marriage. Lorenzo, Jessica, and Salerio arrive with news that Antonio's ships have been lost and his bond with Shylock is forfeit. Portia insists Bassanio go to Venice to help his friend, offering gold to pay the debt many times over.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Bassanio's soliloquy on the caskets explicitly warns against being deceived by outward ornament, a central theme as he chooses the humble lead casket over gold and silver.

### Love and Friendship

Portia's love for Bassanio and her willingness to sacrifice for his friend Antonio highlight the interplay between romantic love and deep friendship.

### Greed and Materialism

Shylock's refusal of money in favor of Antonio's flesh and the contrast between the gold/silver caskets and the lead one underscore the critique of materialism.

## Character check-ins

### Portia

Anxiously tries to delay Bassanio's choice of casket, then joyfully accepts him as her husband; upon hearing of Antonio's plight, she selflessly urges Bassanio to go to Venice and offers ample gold to save his friend.

### Bassanio

Determined to choose a casket despite Portia's pleas; wins her by selecting the lead casket, then is devastated by news of Antonio's losses and his own responsibility for the bond.

### Gratiano

Reveals he has won Nerissa's promise of marriage, and joyfully anticipates a double wedding with Bassanio and Portia.

### Nerissa

Confirms her promise to marry Gratiano, and stands by Portia during the joyful and troubling events.

### Salerio

Arrives from Venice with the grim news that all of Antonio's ships are lost and that Shylock is relentlessly demanding his bond.

### Jessica

Arrives with Lorenzo and Salerio; confirms Shylock's vow to take Antonio's flesh rather than accept payment.

## Key lines

> So may the outward shows be least themselves: The world is still deceived with ornament.

Outward appearances often hide the truth; people are easily fooled by decoration.

_Bassanio's key insight as he chooses the lead casket, rejecting gold and silver._

> Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond; Double six thousand, and then treble that, Before a friend of this description Shall lose a hair through Bassanio's fault.

Pay Shylock six thousand ducats, or even more, rather than let such a friend suffer because of you.

_Portia's generous and decisive response to Antonio's plight, showing her loyalty and wealth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters