In this act, the theme of love and marriage and the bond theme are very much interlinked. We learn that Antonio’s ships are lost at sea which creates an ominous (gloomy) sense of foreboding (fear/worry) at the start of the act.
When Bassanio arrives at Belmont to chance his luck with the caskets, it is clear that Portia favours him. However, their joy is short-lived as news of Antonio’s losses is confirmed and his death seems inevitable (unavoidable). Bassanio leaves the idyllic (perfect) paradise of Belmont to return to Venice to help Antonio.
Meanwhile, Portia and Nerissa have devised a plan to go to Venice in disguise to help out.