Read Launcelot’s soliloquy aloud. Learn about malapropisms and find examples. Action – What Happens?
In this scene we meet Shylock’s servant, Launcelot Gobbo, who is debating whether to leave Shylock’s service. By chance he meets his father, Old Gobbo, who is nearly blind. Old Gobbo does not recognise his son. Launcelot plays a cruel trick on him and tells him his son is dead. After a while, he reveals his true identity to his father and tells him that he is unhappy working for Shylock. Later, they meet Bassanio and his men who are getting ready to go to Belmont. With the help of his father, Old Gobbo, Launcelot succeeds in securing a position as Bassanio’s servant.
Useful Words fiend – an evil spirit or devil anon – at once
ergo (Latin) – therefore sand-blind – half-blind
high-gravel-blind – almost totally blind
gear – matter suit – a favour/request fairer table – luckier palm (of a hand)
