The Merchant of Venice

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1596

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Access Full Guide

Summary

Act Summaries & Analyses

Act I

Act II

Act III

Acts IV-V

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Act IIChapter Summaries & Analyses

Act II, Scene 1 Summary

Back in Belmont, the Prince of Morocco presents himself as a suitor for Portia.

Act II, Scene 2 Summary

Launcelot Gobbo is a clown who is indentured to Shylock as his servant. Unhappy to be working in the employ of a Jew, Launcelot offers up his services to Bassanio.

Later, Bassanio’s friend Gratiano asks to accompany Bassanio to Belmont. Bassanio agrees, as long as Gratiano subdues his rowdy nature.

Act II, Scene 3 Summary

Shylock’s daughter Jessica is sad to learn of Launcelot’s plans to flee. As Launcelot departs, she gives him a love letter to deliver to Lorenzo, another of Bassanio’s friends. Left alone, Jessica vows to escape Shylock, marry Lorenzo, and convert to Christianity.