English Summary

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary

The elopement of Lorenzo and Jessica is the main event that takes place in this scene. Gratiano and Salerio are waiting for Lorenzo outside Shylock’s house. Lorenzo is late and the friends are surprised as normally lovers reach before time. They also remark that mostly lovers keep their appointment in time as long as they are engaged, but once they marry all promises are forgotten. Lorenzo comes at this time and apologizes for being late.

He calls Jessica who appears above, dressed as a boy. She throws down a casket full of money and Jewels. Jessica is ashamed of stealing money as well as her disguise. But she consoles herself by saying that love is blind and lovers sire unaware of the foolish things they do.

Lorenzo tells Jessica that she’s going to be his torch bearer. The idea of holding a light to her may expose her identity. After being reassured, she goes back to the house to lock the doors and fetch more ducats. Lorenzo tells Gratiano that Jessica is the most faithful and loving lady.

When she comes down, the lovers leave with Salerio.Gratiano meets Antonio who has been looking for him. Antonio informs him that Bassanio’s party has been cancelled as the wind has changed and the time is right to set sail for Belmont. Gratiano is delighted, as he is eager to leave for Belmont.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary Word Meanings

1. penthouse – porch
2. make stand – wait, marvel wonder
3. out-dwells his hour – late
4. Venus – goddess of love who rides in a chariot drawn by pigeons
5. wont – likely to
6. unforfeited – unbrohen
7. ever-holds – always true
8. untread again – retrace his steps
9. tedious measures – boring steps
10. unabated fire – undiminished spirit or enthusiasm
11. younger – a youngster
12. scarfed bark – ship decorated with flags and bunting
13. strumpet wind – uncontrolled wind
14. over-weathered
15. ribs – storm beaten sides
16. ragged – torn
17. abode – delay
18. albeit – although
19. tongue – voice
20. pains – troubles
21. exchange – change of clothes
22. pretty follies – small acts of foolishness
23. Cupid – god of Love
24. hold a candle to – hold up a light to reveal
25. shames – shameful dress
26. sooth – indeed
27. obscur’d – hidden
28. garnish – costume
29. play the runaway – slipping away
30. gild – adorn with gold
31. beshrew me – curse me
32. constant soul – loyal heart
33. Fie – shame.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Gratiano:
That ever holds : who riseth from afeast
With that keen appetite that he sits down ?
Where is the horse that doth untread again
His tedious measures with the unhated fire
That he did pace them first ? All things that are,
Are with more spirit chased than enjoy’d.
How like a younger or a prodigal
The scarfed bark puts from her native bay,
Hugg’d and embraced by the strumpet wind !
How like the prodigal doth she return.
With over-weather’d ribs and ragged sails.
Lean, rent, and beggar’d by the strumpet wind !

Question 1.
To which comment does Gratiano say, ‘That ever holds’? What does it mean?
Answer:
That ever holds means that Gratiano is agreeing with whatever was said before. Salerio had said mostly, lovers are in a greater hurry than the wings of Venus’ pigeons to keep their engagement, than their marriage promises.

Question 2.
Explain, ‘All things that are with more spirit chased than enjoyed’. Which two examples does the speaker give to prove his point?
Answer:
This means that there is more pleasure in pursuit than enjoyment. The speaker first says that no one gets up from the dinner table with the same hunger as he sat down to dine. Then he takes the example of a horse, which cannot retrace his steps with the same enthusiasm as he had earlier.

Question 3.
Explain the meaning of scarfed bark and strumpet wind. What does the want on wind do?
Answer:
Scarfed bark is the ship decorated with flags at the outset of a journey. Strumpet wind is uncontrolled wind. The strumpet wind in its fury blows and pushes about the ship, making it look like an impoverished thing.

Question 4
Give the meaning of:
‘How like a younger or a prodigal
The scarfed bark puts from her native bay,
Hugg’d and embraced by the strumpet wind!’
Answer:
The meaning is that when the ship starts its journey, it is like a young man dressed in all finery, hale and hearty.
But after it is tossed about by the harlot wind, it is battered and torn, more like a spendthrift, returning exhausted like a beggar.

Question 5.
Who comes just after this extract? What does he say to his Mends?
Answer:
Lorenzo comes just after this and apologizes to his friends for making them wait. It was some urgent business, which made him late. He promises to wait for his friends in the same way when they go to steal their wives.

2. Jessica :
What! must I hold a candle to my shames ?
They in themselves, good sooth, are too too light.
Why, ’tis an office of discovery, love,
And I should be obscur’d.

Question 1.
Bring out the context of the extract.
Answer:
The scene takes place In the street outside Shylock’s house. Lorenzo, with his friends, are waiting for Jessica to join them. Jessica, dressed as a boy throws at Lorenzo, a casket full of money and jewels. She is ashamed of her disguise and when Lorenzo tells her that she is going to be the torch bearer, she is embarrassed. She tells him that it is a torch bearer’s duty to light up and reveal everything whereas she has to hide her identity to elope.

Question 2.
Explain, ‘must I hold a candle to my shames? What does this show of her character’?
Answer:
Jessica asks whether she should hold a light to her boyish dresses that fills her with shame as she is masquerading. For her the idea of holding a light is frightening which could expose her identity. She is modest and honest. It’s her love that makes her adopt this disguise.

Question 3.
Explain the last two lines of the extract.
Answer:
The last two lines means, that holding up the torch is the duty of a torch bearer. But if she does so, she’ll be revealing her identity, which she is supposed to conceal.

Question 4.
How does Lorenzo reassure Jessica? Earlier how had Lorenzo summarized his love for Jessica?
Answer:
Lorenzo tells Jessica that she is hiding in the charming get up of a boy. She doesn’t have to worry about getting detected. He had said that Jessica was wise, fair and faithful and he loved her heartily. She would always be placed in his loyal heart.

Question 5.
What information does Antonio give at the end of the scene? How does Gratiano react to this?
Answer:
Antonio at the end of the scene informs Gratiano that Bassanio’s party has been called off. Since the wind is blowing in favourable direction and the time is right to set sail for Belmont, both are eager to get on board to sail off from Venice to the promising and romantic Belmont.

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary

The scene takes place on a street outside Shylock’s house. This enables us to know more about Shylock and his thought processes. Shylock is about to go to Bassanio’s party. Launcelot meets him. Shylock tells him that he should not revel in eating and sleeping in his new employment as he had done in his house.

After repeated calls, Jessica appears. Her father tells her that he’s going to attend Bassanio’s party and gives her the keys of the house. He is not happy to go to the party but is doing so out of spite. He’ll feed on the prodigal Christian. He is reluctant, as he had dreamt of money bags, which is a bad sign.

Launcelot informs Shylock that there is a masquerade arranged. This makes Shylock tell Jessica that she should close all the doors and windows of the house, as he does not want the house to be contaminated by the noise of revelry coming from the masque. She also should keep inside and not gaze on ‘Christian fools with varnished faces’.

Launcelot gives Jessica, the message from Lorenzo. When he leaves, Shylock says that he is happy to see the clown go, as he’ll be joining Bassanio’s service and help wasting his borrowed money. After her father’s departure, Jessica thinks of her elopement and bids farewell to her father in his absence saying that ‘I have a father, you a daughter lost’.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary Word Meanings

1. gormndize – overeat
2. rend apparel out – over-grow the dress
3. wont – accustomed
4. bid forth — invited out
5. prodigal – spendthrift
6. look to – look after
7. loath – reluctant
8. ill a brewing towards my rest – something being plotted against my peace of mind
9. reproach – meaning approach
10. conspired together – arranged for-but there is dramatic irony here as the audience already knows the plan for the elopement.
11. Black Monday – Monday following Easter
12. Ash Wednesday – the first Wednesday after Lent
13. squealing – sharp sound
14. wry- necked – crooked necked
15. clamber – climb up
16. varnished – painted
17. ears – windows
18. shallow foppery – superficial and stupid showing off
19. sirrah – fellow
20. Hagar – slave woman who is referred to as Launcelot’s ancestor
21. patch – fool, drone – a male bee that doesn’t search for honey
22. borrowed purse – borrowed money
23. fast And – a proverb saying that if you are careful, you’ll not lose anything.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Shylock :
Well, thou shalt see, thy eyes shall be thy judge
The difference of old Shylock and Bassanlo—
What, Jessica l -thou shalt not gormandize
As thou hast done with me—What, Jessica !—
And sleep and snore, and rend apparel out—
Why, Jessica, I say !

Question 1.
Whom is Shylock talking to? Explain, ‘Thy eyes shall be thy judge.’ Bring out the humor of this line.
Answer:
Shylock Is talking to Launcelot, the clown who used to be with him, till recently. Shylock is telling the clown that he’ll see with his own eyes that how different it will be to work with him and the new master. Only actual experience will help him to make the correct judgments. The humor is that the audience is aware of how Launcelot felt working for the Jew but Shylock says as though, he was very comfortable in his house.

Question 2.
Give the meaning of: ‘gormandize’ and ‘rend apparel out’. What contrast do these remarks give as opposed to what Launcelot had said earlier?
Answer:
Gormandize means overeat. Rend apparel out means, overgrow his dress or have holes in clothes. Launcelot has already expressed that he has become so thin that his ribs can be counted. Also he was very happy that he would get new uniform under Bassanio and he would be able to get rid of his old clothes. This is contrary to what Shylock is saying.

Question 3.
Why does the speaker say, ‘Why Jessica, I say!’ Why does he admonish Launcelot just after this speech? How does Launcelot respond to this?
Answer:
Shylock has called out for Jessica a number of times while talking to Launcelot; so he gets irritated and says sharply, ‘Why Jessica, I say’. Launcelot imitates Shylock and calls Jessica by her name and Shylock admonishes him and says that no one ordered him to do that. Launcelot responds by saying that Shylock used to complain that he doesn’t do any work without being told, hence this time he has done something without being asked and the Jew is yet scolding him.

Question 4.
What information does Shylock share with Jessica soon after this? What instructions are given?
Answer:
Shylock informs Jessica that he has been invited to attend a dinner party. He also tells her that he is reluctant to go as he feels that he has been invited not out of love but for a desire to flatter ; also he dreamt of money bags lately and there is a vague feeling that something is plotted against the peace of his mind. But he will go out of hatred, to make Bassanio the spend thrift, poorer by eating his food. He gives her the keys of the house and tells her to look after it in his absence.

Question 5.
What do you know about Jessica, at this stage?
Answer:
We know Jessica is the sweet daughter of Shylock, who is in love with Lorenzo, a Christian and is planning to elope with him on that very night during the masque, dressed as a page boy. Her mind is torn between loyalty to her father and her love for Lorenzo, whom she wants to marry. She is even willing to adopt Christianity.

2. Launcelot:
And they have conspired together : I will not say you shall see
a masque; but if you do, then it was not for nothing that my nose
fell a-bleeding on Black Monday last, at six o’clock’ the morning,
falling out that year on Ash Wednesday was four year in the
afternoon.
Shylock : What, are there masques ?

Question 1.
Who are ‘they’? What have they conspired? Why is the masque important here?
Answer:
They are Bassanio. Lorenzo and their friends like Salerio and Solanio. They have planned to hold a masque. The masque is important as it is during the masquerade, Jessica will elope with Lorenzo in the disguise of a page, bearing the torch for the masque.

Question 2.
According to the speaker what does his nose bleeding suggest? Explain the reference to Black Monday and Ash Wednesday. What’s the incongruity in Launcelot’s statements?
Answer:
Launcelot says that his nose bleeding on Black Monday and Ash Wednesday was a sign of that something good or bad will happen. Shakespeare is here making fun of superstitions or prophesying by omens, as they are vague and inconsistent. Black Monday is the Monday following Easter. Launcelot plays on the superstitious nature of Shylock by referring to Easter Monday in 1360, when Edward Ill’s army was caught in a black fog and many soldiers froze to death.

On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, people put ashes on their foreheads, to remind themselves that man is made of mud and will return to mud. The incongruity is that there is a forty day gap between the two events mentioned but Launcelot is talking as the two fall in the same week.

Question 3.
Bring out the dramatic irony crafted in the first line of the extract?
Answer:
Launcelot says that the Christians have conspired or arranged a masque as a surprise for the guests. The dramatic irony is in the word ‘conspire’, the audiences know that there is a plot of elopement. It is a conspiracy against Shylock. Neither Launcelot nor Shylock knows the significance of this word at this time.

Question 4.
How does Shylock respond to the information and what does he tell Jessica to do?
Answer:
Shylock is surprised and shocked at this information. He tells Jessica to lock up all the doors and windows as he does not want the music and revelation contaminate the sober atmosphere of his house. He orders his daughter not to climb up the casements and look at the varnished faces of the foolish Christians who waste their time in rivalry.

Question 5.
What does Launcelot tell Jessica before he leaves with Shylock? Why does Shylock call the clown Hagar’s offspring?
Answer:
Launcelot tells Jessica that she should look out of the window despite what her father has said, a Christian pay pass that is worthy to be looked upon by a Jewess. Shylock is calling Launcelot the offspring of Hagar, a slave woman, maid to Abraham’s wife Sarah. Servants are considered the offspring of the slave woman.

3. Shylock :
The patch is kind enough, but a huge feeder;
Snail-slow in profit, and he sleeps by day
More than the wild cat: drones hive not with me;
Therefore I part with him, and part with him
To one that I would have him help to waste
His borrow’d purse. Well, Jessica, go in
Perhaps I will return immediately
Do as I bid you; shut doors after you :
‘Fast bind, fast find’,
A proverb never stale in thrifty mind.

Question 1.
Who is the patch? What does it mean?
Answer:
The clown is the patch or fool who wears the traditional multicolored patched costume. He calls Launcelot the clown, a patch.

Question 2.
How does Shylock refer to the character of the patch in the extract?
Answer:
Shylock says that the clown is good at heart, but eats a lot of food. He is as slow as a snail and sleeps throughout the day without doing any profitable work. He is like a drone, a male bee who doesn’t work to collect honey.

Question 3.
Why is Shylock ready to part with the patch? What does it show of his character?
Answer:
He is happy to let the patch go and take employment with Bassanio. He will help the prodigal Christian to squander the borrowed money. This shows that Shylock hates Christian’s and the way they spent money on enjoyment.

Question 4.
What does Shylock tell Jessica to do? What is the dramatic irony in this speech?
Answer:
Shylock tells Jessica to go inside the house and shut all the doors. The dramatic irony is that Jessica is not going to shut the door. In fact, she is going to leave the house and run away with a Christian.

Question 5.
What is the proverb quoted by Shylock? What does it mean?
Answer:
The proverb ‘Fast bind, fast find’ is quoted here because Shylock imposes all kinds of restriction upon Jessica. He disallows her even to look at a procession of Christmas, from the windows and doors of his house, and wants them to be locked from inside when he goes out.

Question 6.
What does Jessica say at the close of the scene? What does it mean?
Answer:
Jessica says farewell to her father and says that unless she is having bad luck, she has lost a father and he, his daughter. It means that she is running away and if she is lucky, she’ll escape from her unkind father.

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 4 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 4 Summary

The subplot further develops in this scene. We see how Jessica and Lorenzo plans to elope. Bassanio’s friends are making arrangements for a celebration, a masquerade dinner party. Lorenzo suggests that they should ‘slink away1 by supper time and meet at his residence to disguise themselves.

They also have to arrange for the torch bearers for the masque. While they are talking, Launcelot enters and hands over Jessica’s letter to Lorenzo. Launcelot is in a hurry as Bassanio had told him to give the invitation for dinner to Shylock. Lorenzo gives the clown some money and sends a message to Jessica with him.

Lorenzo shares his secret elopement plans with Gratiano. Jessica has informed him that she’ll leave her father’s house that night, dressed as a page. She’ll carry some money and jewels from the house. Lorenzo decides that he’ll be their torch bearer. Gratiano is delighted to hear about the plan and offers to help them in any manner he can.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 4 Summary Word Meanings

1. slink away – slip away
2. disguise – dress as someone or something else to hide own identity
3. preparation – arrangement
4. spoke us yet – provided us with
5. vile – disgusting
6. quaintly order’d – done with style
7. furnish us – be ready
8. seem to signify – inform you
9. know the hand – recognize the handwriting
10. by your leave – with your permission
11. bid – invite
12. masque – a procession in which the participants wear masks
13. some hour hence – in an hour
14. furnished – supplied
15. page’s suit – uniform of a boy servant to a person of high rank
16. foot – path
17. cross her foot – come in her way
18. issue – offspring
19. faithless – one who doesn’t believe in Christianity
20. peruse – study.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 4 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Lorenzo :
I must needs tell thee all. She hath directed
How I shall take her from her father’s house;
What gold and jewels she is furnish’d with;
What page’s suit she hath in readiness.
If e’er the Jew her father come to heaven,
It will be for his gentle dauther’s sake;
And never dare misfortune cross herfoot,
Unless she do it under this excuse,
That she is issue to a faithless Jew.
Come, go with me : peruse this as thou goest.
Fair Jessica shall be my torch-bearer.

Question 1.
Where is Lorenzo now? Who else is with him? What are they preparing for?
Answer:
Lorenzo is on the street outside the house of Shylock. Gratiano is with him. They are preparing for a masque, as they are going to celebrate that night at Bassanio’s masquerade dinner party.

Question 2.
What is a masque? What have they not arranged, so far?
Answer:
A masque is a procession in which all the guests participate in disguise, covering their faces with masks. They have not been able to arrange for the torch bearers for the masque.

Question 3.
What does Lorenzo want to inform Gratiano? Explain in detail.
Answer:
Lorenzo wants to inform Gratiano about the plan of eloping with Jessica. Jessica has informed him through the letter that how he should take her from her father’s house, what gold and jewels, she would be taking, and about the dress of the page she would be wearing.

Question 4.
Who is the ‘Jew, her father’? On what condition can he go to heaven?
Answer:
The ‘Jew, her father’ is Shylock. According to Lorenzo, it is only the fact that gentle and loving Jessica is his daughter, who can work as a passport for Shylock to go to heaven.

Question 5.
For what reason can misfortune ‘cross her foot’? Explain ’faithless Jew’.
Answer:
Lorenzo prays that no misfortune should cross the way of Jessica. If it happens, it’ll be only because of the fault, that her father is a faithless Jew which means a non-believer; one who doesn’t believe in Christianity.

Question 6.
What decision does Lorenzo make at the end of the scene? What does he ask Gratiano to peruse as they go?
Answer:
Lorenzo decides that Jessica will be dressed as a page, and he will be their torchbearer for the masque. He asks Gratiano to read the message sent by Jessica.

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 3 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 3 Summary

This scene is set in Shylock’s house. This introduces the sub-plot of Lorenzo- Jessica love story. Launcelot comes to take his leave from Shylock, but finds his master’s daughter, Jessica, sitting alone in the house. She is sad to know Launcelot is leaving but understands the reason.

She says that he had brought some cheer to the house which is as oppressive as hell. She also asks him to deliver a letter to Lorenzo, her lover. Launcelot sadly bids farewell to the sweet Jew and is happy that she is going to run away with a Christian. After the clown goes, Jessica reveals that she is ashamed of being Shylock’s daughter.

She has only ‘blood1 in common with her father. She says that if she succeeds in running away, she’ll marry Lorenzo and become a Christian. The scene exposes the conflict between her father and her love for Lorenzo.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 3 Summary Word Meanings

1. taste – part
2. tediousness – boredom
3. exhibit – inhibit my tongue
4. pagan – non¬believer in Christianity
5. play the knave – be dishonest
6. deceived – cheated
7. drops – tears
8. spirit – courage
9. heinous – evil
10. strife – conflict.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 3 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Jessica :
I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so.
Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.
But fare thee well; there is a ducat for thee
And, Launcelot, soon at supper shalt thou see
Lorenzo, who is thy new master’s guest:
Give him this letter—do it secretly.
And so farewell; I would not have my father
See me in talk with thee.

Question 1.
Where is Jessica now? Whom is she addressing? Why has this person come here, at this moment?
Answer:
Jessica is in her father’s house now. She is addressing Launcelot as the ‘merry clown’. He has come there to take leave of his hitherto master, Shylock as he is joining his new master Bassanio.

Question 2.
Explain the meaning of ‘Didst rob of it some taste of tediousness’.
Answer:
Jessica means that the jokes and pranks of the country clown had made the atmosphere of the house a little better than hell. He made her life cheerful.

Question 3.
What does Jessica request the other person to do? What does she gives him?
Answer:
Jessica gives Launcelot a gold coin and requests him to deliver a letter secretly to Lorenzo, whom he’ll be meeting at Bassanio’s dinner.

Question 4.
What does this extract show about the character of Jessica?
Answer:
The extract shows that Jessica is a generous person and has true affection for the clown. She is unhappy with the cruelty of her father and finds her house to be a veritable hell. She is troubled by her conscience, as she wants to leave her father to marry a Christian. She is neither loyal to her father nor her religion.

Question 5.
In what way is her character contrasted with that of Portia?
Answer:
Portia is shown as a lady of high character who has great reverence for her dead father. She is willing to follow the instructions of her father regarding her marriage. Jessica is ashamed to call Shylock, her father as she is fed up on the contrary, of his harsh ways. She is going to elope with a Christian even if she knows that it will be a terrible blow to her father.

2. Launcelot :
Adieu ! tears exhibit my tongue. Most beautiful pagan, most
sweet Jew ! If a Christian do not play the knave and get thee, I
am much deceived But, adieu ! These foolish drops do something
drown my manly spirit: Adieu !

Question 1.
Why does Launcelot say Adieu? What is the humour in the first line of the extract?
Answer:
Launcelot has decided to leave Shylock’s house and has come now to bid farewell. He sees Jessica and bids her adieu. The humour is provided by Launcelot’s tendency to use the wrong words in place of similar sounding correct words. Here he uses ‘exhibit’ instead of inhibit. He actually wants to say that his tears are preventing him from using his tongue.

Question 2.
Why does the speaker calls Jessica, a pagan and sweet Jew.
Answer:
Christians considered everyone from other religion than Christianity as a non-believer or pagan. Launcelot also has the same prejudice and hence he calls Jessica pagan, as she is a Jew. But since she is good and he likes her a lot, he calls her sweet.

Question 3.
Explain the meaning of ‘If a Christian do not play the knave and. get thee, I am much deceived.’
Answer:
Launcelot wants Lorenzo to be dishonest enough to take away Jessica, without the permission of her father. If Lorenzo, the Christian does not play the cheating game, Launcelot, will feel cheated. He wanted Lorenzo to acquire Jessica as his wife.

Question 4.
What does the speaker mean by, ‘These foolish drops do something drown my manly spirit’?
Answer:
Launcelot feels sad to leave Jessica. He feels that if he stays longer, his tears will make him look less manly.

Question 5.
What does Jessica say to herself, soon after this extract?
Answer:
Jessica says that it is a deadly sin to feel ashamed of her own father. She was a daughter to him only in blood but not in manners. If Lorenzo keeps his promise, she was ready to be his wife and become a Christian. In this way, she would be able to finally make a choice between her loyalty to her father and love for Lorenzo.

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 2 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 2 Summary

The scene shifts to Venice and it offers a humorous relief. Launcelot Gobo, the clown, dominates this scene. As the scene opens, the clown is debating with himself whether to continue with Shylock or not. A ‘fiend’ urges him to leave his present employment. His conscience urges him to be loyal to his master and stick on.

Ultimately, he decides to run away. The comic situation builds up when Old Gobo makes his appearance. The blind father does not recognize his son at first. He seeks direction to Shylock’s house without realizing that the dim image before him is his son.

Launcelot gives him crazy directions where he would meet ‘Master Launcelot’. Continuing the joke, he tells old gobo that Master Launcelot is dead. After much clowning and double talk, he finally reveals his identity and kneels before his father for blessings. Bassanio enters. The two Gobos intimate him of the plan of Launcelot leaving the service of Shylock. Bassanio is ready to employ him.

He orders for new livery for Launcelot. Gratiano enters, seeking to go to Belmont with Bassanio. Bassanio agrees thinking that Gratiano will curb his high spirits; Gratiano suggests revelry before they leave and Bassanio consents. All look forward to festivity.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 2 Summary Word Meanings

1. fiend – devil
2. heed – care
3. aforesaid – said before
4. scorn – contemptuous
5. pack – go
6. hanging-heart – clinging to heart
7. budge – move
8. ruled – guided
9. reverence – respect
10. incarnation – in human form
11. sand-blind – half blind
12. high-gravel blind – almost completely blind
13. marry – by the Virgin Mary
14. sonties – saints, raise the waters – bring tears
15. ergo – therefore
16. the sisters three – the sisters of fates or destinies
17. staff – support
18. cudgel – short stick for support
19. hovel post – main support of a poor building
20. fill-horse – cart horse
21. famished – starved
22. liveries – uniforms
23. hasted – speeded up
24. at the farthest – at the latest
25. anon – at once
26. gramerci – many thanks
27. infection – wrong word used for affection
28. cater-cousins – good friends
29. fructify – wrongly used for notify
30. suit – request
31. impertinent – relevant
32. defect – used for effect
33. preferment – promotion
34. guarded – more ornamented
35. table – palm
36. trifle – unimportant
37. maids – unmarried girls
38. peril – danger
39. wench – lady
40. besto’wd – placed in the boat
41. hie – hurry
42. yonder – over there
43. rude – unmannerly
44. bold – loud
45. parts – qualities
46. pray – request
47. allay – moderate
48. skipping – playful
49. misconstrued – misunderstood
50. wear – carry
51. demurely – grave
52. civility – good manners
53. bearing – conduct
54. gauge – judge
55. suit of mirth – party dress or amusing manner
56. purpose – intend
57. merriment – enjoyment.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 2 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Launcelot:
To be ruled by my
conscience, I should stay with the Jew my master, who (God bless the mark !)
is a king of devil; and, to run away from the
Jew, I should be ruled by the fiend, who (saving your reverence)
is the devil himself. Certainly, the Jew is the very devil
incarnation; and, in my conscience, my conscience is but a kind of hard conscience, the offer to counsel me to stay with the Jew. The fiend gives the more friendly counsel: I will run, fiend; my heels
are at your commandment; I will run.

Question 1.
Where is the speaker now? Who is he? Who is the ‘Jew my master’?
Answer:
The speaker is on a street in Venice. Launcelot is the typical country clown whom the Elizabethans loved watching in plays. The Jew is Shylock, under whom Launcelot is employed.

Question 2.
What is the conflict going on in the speaker’s mind? What do you think is the reason for his confusion?
Answer:
The conflict in his mind is whether to be loyal to Shylock and continue working for him or run away. The reason, to a great extent is racial discrimination. He doesn’t like being under a Jew. Moreover, Bassanio has offered his hires to him and he feels that life under the English man will be more easy, respectful and better paid.

Question 3.
Why is the Jew called a ‘devil’s incarnation?
Answer:
Launcelot says that the very devil has taken the form of Shylock who is a Jew, a miser and a bad master. This marks the racial discrimination the Christians had for the Jews, they consider them as the monsters of cruelty.

Question 4.
Give the meaning of, ‘I should be ruled by the fiend’ and ‘a kind of hard conscience’ and ‘my heels are at your command’
Answer:
Launcelot’s mind, here, is torn by conflict. His conscience tells him, as he is now employed by Shylock, he should stick with him. He says his conscience is being cruel as it advises him to take the difficult choice. Finally, he gives up Shylock’s service in order to take up a job under Bassanio.

Question 5.
What is the importance of this scene, in regard to the play?
Answer:
This scene offers comic relief after the pompous talks of Prince of Morocco. The scene also makes us think about conscience, loyalty of a servant to a master, false expectations, prejudice and relationship of children with parents.

2. Launcelot :
[Aside] O heavens ! this is my true-begotten father, who, being
more than sand-blind, high gravel-blind, knows me not: I will try
confusions with him.

Question 1.
To whom is Launcelot referring? When does this person makes his entry? What does he have in his hand?
Answer:
Launcelot is referring to his own father, Old Gobo. The old man comes soon after Launcelot makes his decision to leave Shylock’s employment. Old Gobo has a basket in his hand.

Question 2.
Explain the meanings of ‘sand-blind’ and ‘gravel blind’. Of which category is the newcomer?
Answer:
Sand-blind mean half blind and gravel blind means almost completely blind. The newcomer is sand-blind as he can see vaguely. The speaker does not reveal that he is the one his father is looking for and confuses him by referring to Master Launcelot.

Question 3.
What has the speaker decided to do now? What does the new¬comer ask the speaker, at this time? How do you fell about Launcelot’s attitude towards his father in this scene?
Answer:
The speaker decides to confuse the old man. The newcomer asks for the way to Master Jew’s house. At this point of time, we feel that Launcelot is quite cruel to his half-blind father. He doesn’t spare him from his practical jokes. He torments him by telling him that his son is dead. The scene also shows his desire to be considered as a gentleman, so he insists that his father calls him, ‘Master Launcelot’.

Question 4.
How does the speaker confuse the newcomer?
Answer:
he speaker gives a lot of complicated directions for Shylock’s house, only to distract and confuse him. Then he calls himself Master Launcelot, which makes the old man say that his son is not a Master. Later on he tells his poor father that Master Launcelot is dead, in order to have some fun.

Question 5.
How does this interlude end?
Answer:
After distressing his father for a long time, Launcelot kneels before his father, asking for his blessing. He admits that he is his son. He also tells his father about his decision to run away and join the service of Bassanio.

3. Launcelot :
Well, well : but, for mine own part, as I have set up my rest to
run away, so I will not rest till I have run some ground.

Question 1.
To what comment of Old Gobo does the speaker reply in this manner. Why does he say, ‘I will not rest till I have run some ground’?
Answer:
Old Gobo says that he has brought a gift to Shylock. Launcelot says that his father can do what he likes, but he has decided to run away and he’ll not stop till he has covered some distance.

Question 2.
‘My master is a very Jew’. Comment on the line. According to him what should his father do with the gift?
Answer:
Launcelot says that his master shows the characteristics of a typical Jew; miserly, cruel and cunning. Anti-Semitism or racial prejudice is evident here, as Christians didn’t like Jews and considered them incarnations of the devil. Launcelot wants the gift to be given to Bassanio.

Question 3.
What is the halter? Why does Launcelot say that his father should do? Why?
Answer:
A halter is a rope used for hanging. Launcelot says that his father should present the Jew with a rope; so that he can hang himself with it. Thereby, the world will be rid of one Jew.

Question 4.
Why does the speaker refer to his ribs? What do you think is the importance of the character of Launcelot in the play?
Answer:
The speaker tells his father to run his hands over his ribs. He is famished under the service of the Jew, and has become thin like a skeleton that his ribs can be counted. The importance of Launcelot in the play is that he plays the role of the clown and contributes to the mirth with his comments and antics. His humour provides comic relief.

Question 5.
What does he say about Bassanio at this time?
Answer:
The speaker says that Bassanio will give him new uniform. If he can’t join his service, he’ll run to the end of the world.

4. Bassanio :
I know thee well; Thou hast obtain’d thy suit:
Shylock thy master spoke with me this day,
And hath preferr’d thee, if it be preferment
To leave a rich Jew’s service, to become
The follower of so poor a gentleman.

Question 1.
Who is the ‘thee’ in the extract? What had Shylock told about the thee?
Answer:
The ‘thee’ in the extract refers to Launcelot Gobo. Shylock had referred Launcelot to Bassanio, saying that he is a lazy fellow who knows only to eat and sleep.

Question 2.
Explain the meaning of the extract.
Answer:
Bassanio says that he knows Launcelot as he had talked to him earlier. Shylock had recommended him to Bassanio. Bassanio wonders if it is wise on the part of Launcelot to leave the rich Jew and join a poor man’s service.

Question 3.
What proverb is quoted as an answer to this speech of Bassanio?
Answer:
Launcelot quotes the proverb ‘you have the grace of God and he hath enough’. He means, the Jew has enough wealth but Bassanio has reputation of being very generous and liberal. Bassanio is blessed by God.

Question 4.
What instructions are given by Bassanio, soon after this? What does this show of his character?
Answer:
Bassanio tells Gobo to go on and take leave of the Jew. He tells his servants to arrange for liveries for Launcelot and well-decorated ones as he is going to be in a better position. This shows the generous nature of Bassanio. He looks after his retinue well.

Question 5.
Just after this extract, Launcelot has predicted certain things for himself by looking at his palm. What are they?
Answer:
By looking at his palm, Launcelot predicts he’ll have a good fortune and fifteen wives. He’ll escape drowning thrice and the danger of falling over the side of a feather bed.

5. Gratiano :
Signior Bassanio, hear me :
If I do not put on a sober habit,
Talk with respect, and swear but now and then,
Wear prayer-books in my pocket, look demurely,
Nay more, while grace is saying, hood mine eyes Thus with my hat, and sigh, and say ‘amen’,
Use all the observance of civility,
Like one well studied in a sad ostent To please his grandam, never trust me more.

Question 1.
Where is the speaker now? What had the speaker requested Bassanio a little earlier?
Answer:
The Speaker is now on a street in Venice. Gratiano had earlier requested Bassanio to take him along to Belmont, in his visit.

Question 2.
What had Bassanio accused Gratiano, a little while ago? Why should Gratiano change his habits? What changes should Gratiano make in his behavior and why?
Answer:
Bassanio had accused Gratiano that he was too wild, too rude and too loud. These characteristics suit his personality and his friends do not mind his behaviour; but outside the friend circle, it may be considered too liberal, hence he should mend his habits if he is going to Belmont. Bassanio tells Gratiano to moderate his speech, be more decent and in a playful spirit. If he doesn’t do so, it may affect Bassanio’s chances of making a favourable impression on Portia.

Question 3.
What is the result of this speech? Why is Gratiano requested to be merry at dinner?
Answer:
Gratiano promises to behave modestly, talk with politeness, swear rarely, carry a prayer book in his pocket and look sober in his outlook. He will show all the manners of a civilized society, observing all manners that would please his grandmother. Bassanio requests Gratiano to be in his happiest mood and enjoy with all the friends.

Question 4.
Gratiano appears in a different mood in Belmont. Describe that mood.
Answer:
Gratiano’s behavior in Belmont was entirely different. He did not utter anything that would have shocked Portia. Being such a vivacious and witty person, he proved that, he could be quiet and grave when required.

Question 5.
What does Gratiano mean by ‘sober habit’ and ‘sad ostent’?
Answer:
‘Sober habit’ means decent manners and etiquettes. ‘Sad ostent’ means serious appearance.