Act V, Scene 1 - Study Questions

1. What sense do you get of Lorenzo and Jessica in this scene? How do you feel about Jessica at this point?
2. Earlier Nerissa spoke of the harmonious life as a life of moderation. What do Lorenzo suggest is the relationship of music, harmony, and life?
3. What is Lorenzo's response when Jessica says, "I am never merry when I hear sweet music?
4. As Portia approaches, what is her comment on music and how does that comment fit in with the comment about the brightly shining candle?
5. Without the stage directions that tell us that Gratiano and Nerissa are arguing in the background, Gratiano's comment about the ring seems to have no motivation. What are they arguing about? Of what does Nerissa accuse him?
6. Playing the outraged wives to their advantage, Portia and Nerissa threaten to be unfaithful to their husbands if the ever meet up with the lawyer and his clerk. With this, Gratiano threatens the clerk. Is there a double meaning in Gratiano's comment?
7. Portia reveals all she has done in the role of the lawyer Balthazar. She also reveals the news that three of Antonio's ships are not sunk as had been believed. Consequently, Antonio is not bankrupt after all. What one remaining point seems to disturb the happiness of seven people.

Act IV, Scene 2 - Study Question

At the end of this scene, what does Portia's aside to Nerissa portend for Act V?