ACT 2, SCENE 6 OVERVIEW OF ACT 2, SCENE 6 l


The main action of this scene concerns Jessica’s betrayal. Not only is she deserting her father, but she is stealing his valuables and eloping (running away to get married secretly) with a Christian.


l


The scene opens with Gratiano and Salerio waiting for Lorenzo outside Shylock’s house. Lorenzo is late. Gratiano argues that it is unusual for someone in love to be late:


All things that are Are with more spirit chasèd than enjoyed. (lines 12–13) l


Gratiano suggests that people are more interested in the ‘chase’ or pursuing love rather than the reality of love when they succeed in wooing someone. Is Gratiano subtly hinting that Lorenzo is not as committed to Jessica as Jessica is to him? When Lorenzo eventually arrives on the scene, he does not offer any explanation for his lateness, apart from cryptically (mysteriously) saying, ‘Not I but my affairs have made you wait’ (line 22). One wonders what ‘affairs’ could possibly have made him late considering the importance of the task he is undertaking – ensuring the escape of his wife-to-be. Nonetheless, Lorenzo does seem genuinely enamoured of (filled with love for) Jessica when she enters the scene.


l


Before she descends, Jessica throws down a casket laden with gold and jewels she has stolen from her father. She is quite embarrassed by her transformation into a boy, but doesn’t seem to be ashamed about the impact her theft will have on her father:


For I am much ashamed of my exchange (line 35) l


Jessica thinks she should be ‘obscured’ (line 44) or hidden, rather than hold a torch at the feast her father will be attending that evening. Lorenzo playfully reassures her that she is sufficiently disguised ‘in the lovely garnish of a boy’ (line 45). Before she actually descends, Jessica decides to steal even more money from her father.


l


Jessica’s actions cause Gratiano to remark: Now, by my hood, a gentile and no Jew. (line 51)


This suggests that Jessica is the opposite of the stereotypical Jew, who was thought miserly, as she is displaying great generosity dispensing (giving out/distributing) her father’s wealth.


l Lorenzo responds by saying how much he loves Jessica:


Beshrew me but I love her heartily, For she is wise, if I can judge of her; And fair she is, if that mine eyes be true; And true she is, as she hath proved herself (lines 52–55)


Indeed, this episode does prove that Jessica is devoted to Lorenzo. l


As Lorenzo, Jessica and Salerio exit the scene, Antonio enters and tells Gratiano that the masque has been cancelled. A change in the direction of the wind means that Bassanio must set sail for Belmont immediately. This is welcome news for Gratiano as he is more than ready to depart:


I am glad on’t. I desire no more delight Than to be under sail and gone tonight. (lines 66–67)


80 The Merchant of Venice


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