The Merchant of Venice: Act 2, scene 6

The color-coded bars in this section make it easy to track the themes throughout the work. Each color corresponds to one of the themes explained in the Themes section of this LitChart. For instance, indicates that all six themes apply to that part of the summary.

Summary Analysis Themes

As planned, Gratiano and Salerio arrive at Shylock’s house in their costumes with the other members of Lorenzo’s party—only Lorenzo is late. As they wait for Lorenzo, Gratiano crassly explains his belief that lovers are most interested when they’re chasing their beloved, and tend to lose interest after the wooing has been successful and the relationship consummated.

Gratiano, the Venetian nobleman, again displays his basic vulgarity, casually commenting that he thinks this relationship between Lorenzo and Jessica may run out of steam even as Jessica prepares to forsake everything for Lorenzo’s love.

When Lorenzo arrives, he makes a joke about his “father Jew” (2.6.25) and calls out to Jessica. Jessica quickly passes the promised casket of gold and jewels down to Lorenzo. Then she herself descends from the same window, dressed as his torch-bearer. She is embarrassed to be “transformed to a boy.” But Lorenzo assures her that she looks beautiful and urges her to hurry—they are expected at Bassanio’s.

While Jessica expects to lose her father and Jewishness through marriage, Lorenzo’s joke implies that escaping one’s family is not so easy. Jessica lowering the money from the same window she uses to escape, makes the equation between marriage and wealth all the more explicit.

As Jessica, Lorenzo, and the other “masqueing mates” head out into the street, Antonio intercepts them. He scolds Gratiano for being late to Bassanio’s dinner. They all hurry off toward Bassanio’s house.

The rollicking “masque” joins up with the somber Antonio to enjoy Bassanio’s hospitality.