In this very short scene, Portia and Nerissa are looking for Shylock’s house to deliver the deed for him to sign. Gratiano successfully catches up with them, gives Portia the ring from Bassanio and invites her to dinner. Portia declines the invitation to dinner and asks Gratiano for directions to Shylock’s house.
Nerissa mischievously plots a way to make Gratiano give her the ring that she gave him. Nerissa and Portia are in a hurry to leave Venice that night so that they will be back in Belmont before their husbands return.
A. REVIEWING
1. Why are Portia and Nerissa looking for Shylock’s house? 2. Why will Lorenzo be happy with the deed? 3. Why has Gratiano caught up with Portia and Nerissa?
B. ORAL LANGUAGE Discuss the Importance of the Rings Pair Activity
In pairs, discuss briefly why you think Shakespeare has made the rings an important part of the storyline here. Is it just for comedy or does it have another function in the play?