ACT 3, SCENE 2 Setting: Belmont. A room in Portia’s house.
In this scene, you will: l l
Explore Bassanio and Portia’s language. Reflect on the characters of Bassanio and Portia. Action – What Happens?
This is the climax of the love scene. Bassanio has come to try his luck with the caskets. It is clear that Portia favours Bassanio above all other suitors and she looks on nervously as he makes his choice. Gratiano has his own surprising revelation to make in this scene too!
Later in the scene, Lorenzo, Jessica and Salerio arrive with news of Antonio’s devastating losses. A letter from Antonio to Bassanio changes the mood of the scene completely. At the end of the scene, Bassanio returns to Venice immediately to try to assist Antonio.
