Explore Shylock’s speech. Reflect on Shylock’s character.
Action – What Happens?
At the start of this scene, Salerio confirms the news that one of Antonio’s vessels has been shipwrecked. Solanio and Salerio meet Shylock who accuses them of knowing about his daughter’s plan to escape. Solanio and Salerio mock and jeer at Shylock. Shylock responds by asserting his dignity as a human being and a Jew.
Later, Tubal, a Jew, informs Shylock that efforts to find Jessica and retrieve his stolen gold have proved fruitless. Tubal informs Shylock that he has heard news that a second ship of Antonio’s has gone aground. This news makes Shylock hopeful that he can now get revenge on Antonio.
Useful Words usurer – a money-lender who charges very high rates of interest mart – marketplace (or stock exchange)