The Merchant of Venice Act 2 - Shakespeare Today

Act 2 Overview

Act 2 begins in Belmont, where the Prince of Morocco confidently tries to woo Portia. Portia slyly tells him he’s “as fair as any comer,” jokingly implying she hasn’t truly liked any suitor—including him.

We also learn more about the casket test her father designed: if a man chooses the wrong casket, he can’t marry Portia or any other woman.

Morocco Tries the Casket Test

After dinner, Morocco agrees to take the test.

Parallel Plot in Venice

Meanwhile in Venice, Shylock’s servant Lancelot wrestles with whether to keep serving Shylock or quit. He consults with his father, Old Gobbo, and they eventually manage to get Visanio to hire Lancelot.

A short scene follows featuring Jessica, Shylock’s daughter. She’s distressed because Lancelot leaving will make her home less miserable (since he’s helped endure it). Jessica writes a letter to Lorenzo, explaining that she plans to marry him and convert to Christianity—something Shylock will absolutely not accept. Lancelot delivers the letter to Lorenzo, who’s preparing for a mask/dinner party with friends, complete with music and entertainment.

Shylock’s Hypocrisy and Jessica’s Escape

Even though Shylock is hateful toward Christians, he behaves hypocritically: he had sworn he wouldn’t eat with Christians, yet decides to attend the party anyway. He also orders Jessica to lock up the house and not listen to or look at the festivities, fearing Christian influence.

But Jessica has already planned to elope that night. She escapes with Lorenzo’s help, disguising herself in boy’s clothes. There’s a sharp contrast in her motivations: she feels “ashamed” to dress as a boy, but isn’t ashamed about stealing her father’s money—drawing on the casket situation.

Back to Belmont: The Casket Choices

In Belmont, Morocco faces the caskets (gold, silver, dull lead). He chooses gold, believing it will lead to Portia because she appears beautiful and wealthy—classic flawed logic. The reward isn’t romance, but a skull with a warning: “All that glisters is not gold.” He’s wrong and leaves.

Portia then delivers a pointed twist: “Let all of his complexion choose me,” suggesting people like Morocco will keep making the same failed choice.

Next is Prince of Aragon, who chooses the silver casket and discovers a picture of an “idiot,” confirming he’s also the wrong suitor. He storms out.

The Next Suitor Arrives

Before Portia can recover, a messenger arrives with word of yet another candidate. Portia isn’t impressed at first, but the messenger describes him as “really cool,” rich, and bringing valuable gifts. Narissa recognizes immediately that it must be Bassanio—and the plot accelerates from there.

Notable Personalities in the Video

• Portia (Porsche)
• Prince of Morocco
• Prince of Aragon
• Jessica
• Lorenzo
• Shylock
• Lancelot (Old Gobbo’s son)
• Old Gobbo
• Visanio
• Salerino and Salanio
• Narissa
• Bassanio (revealed as the next suitor)