Scene IV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Gender and Disguise

  Portia and Nerissa plan to disguise themselves as young men to travel to Venice, highlighting themes of gender performance and deception.

• Love and Friendship

  Portia's willingness to help Antonio, her husband's friend, demonstrates the depth of her love and loyalty.

Characters to notice

• Portia

  Portia arranges for Lorenzo and Jessica to manage her house, sends Balthasar to Doctor Bellario, and reveals her plan to disguise as a man.

• Nerissa

  Nerissa is Portia's attendant and confidante, who will accompany her in disguise.

• Lorenzo

  Lorenzo is entrusted with the management of Portia's house during Bassanio's absence.

• Jessica

  Jessica is acknowledged as a substitute for Portia in the household management.

• Balthasar

  Balthasar is sent to Padua with a letter for Doctor Bellario.

Key passages

• “I have toward heaven breathed a secret vow To live in prayer and contemplation, Only attended by Nerissa here, Until her husband and my lord’s return”

  Portia claims she will retreat to a monastery for prayer and meditation until Bassanio returns, but this is a cover for her true plan.

  Portia uses the pretense of religious devotion to conceal her journey to Venice.

• “They shall think we are accomplished With that we lack.”

  Portia says they will appear to possess qualities they do not actually have, referring to their male disguise.

  Portia plans to adopt masculine mannerisms and speech to pass as young men.