That I was worse than nothing, for indeedĪntonio’s “mere enemy,” is, of course, Shylock, who stands as close to the center of the play as his real-life counterparts were integral to the Elizabethan economy, despite the relative brevity of his role. “When I told you/My state was nothing,” Bassanio tells Portia soon after their marriage is agreed upon, But, as we have already seen, that comic phase had been underpinned by more unsettling forces. It’s obvious I think, that with Act Three, the most comic phase of the play is over. While Bassanio rushes back to Venice with the money, Portia has another plan: she and Nerissa will follow him undercover and see how they can help. But the two couple’s joy is marred by the news that Antonio’s business has, indeed, collapsed, and Shylock is after his pound of flesh. Inspired, Graziano announces that he and Nerissa (Portia’s gentlewoman) also wish to marry. Undeterred, he chooses the leaden casket and is rewarded with a message granting him Portia’s hand (and riches). Back in Belmont, Portia tries to dissuade Bassanio from choosing a casket, in order to prolong his company. Act Three: Shylock is incensed by Jessica’s flight and the fact that she has stolen money and jewels from him, but is cheered (or is he?) by the news that one of Antonio’s merchant ships has sunk, and bankruptcy seems likely.
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