Passage Commentary -- The Merchant of Venice -- Act III. In Act III of The Merchant of Venice, as several threads of plot begin to intertwine, Shylock realizes that his daughter Jessica, loaded with riches, has fled him for Lorenzo. At the same time, we all learn that Antonio has “a ship rich with lading” wreck somewhere in the English channel. Shylock replies to Solarino’s hope that Shylock might not “take his [Antonio’s] flesh” if Antonio were to default on his “bond” with Shylock, with a withering speech (III.i.49 et seq.). Reread this fierce speech carefully, especially its conclusion, and then reply thoughtfully to the following questions.
- What is the cause of the “revenge” that Shylock notes for both Christian and Jew, and how does this help clarify what Shylock means when he says “The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go heard but I will better the instruction”?(III.i.66-7)
- Though there are clear and obvious differences, in what ways are Antonio and Shylock, or Antonio’s and Shylock’s situations, similar?
It might be wise to compose your reply using MSWord. Then click “comment” below, follow instructions, and paste your reply. -- PJC
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