# Scene IV explained — The Merchant of Venice

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

## What happens

Portia entrusts her house to Lorenzo and Jessica, then secretly plans with Nerissa to disguise themselves as men and travel to Venice to aid Antonio.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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