The action in Act 2 moves between Belmont, where the Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon are due to try their luck with the caskets, and Venice, where Bassanio is preparing to embark on his journey. Bassanio plans a farewell feast for all of his friends and Shylock.
Launcelot Gobbo, Shylock’s servant, is also introduced in this act. Launcelot wants to leave Shylock’s service to become Bassanio’s servant. Launcelot acts as a go-between, inviting Shylock to supper with Bassanio and sending messages between Jessica and Lorenzo. Later in Act 2, we witness the elopement (running away to get married in secret) of Jessica and Lorenzo.
Towards the end of this act, suspense is high with the Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon each choosing a casket, and the news that a Venetian merchant ship has been shipwrecked. We also learn that Bassanio has cancelled his farewell celebrations and is to set sail immediately for Belmont.
