The Merchant of Venice ACT 4 Notes

ACT 4 - Summary SCENE 1: Act 4 opens up in the courtroom. Antonio is on trial to prove whether Shylock’s bond can be carried out. The Duke of Venice will oversee the court. He asks Shylock if he wants to take back his bond, and Shylock says no. Bassanio offers Shylock double what Antonio owes him, but Shylock still refuses. The proceedings begin and Antonio admits that the bond is protected by the law. The Duke calls in a doctor who has arrived from Padua. Nerissa is dressed as the doctor’s assistant and Portia is dressed as Doctor Balthazar.

ACT 4 - Summary Portia tells Shylock that he must take a pound of flesh from Antonio’s breast, by his heart. Shylock even brought a scale to measure out the flesh he will cut. Shylock sharpens his knife a, but and prepares to take his earnings. Portia intercedes and claims that the bond does not mention blood, only flesh. She tells him that if he spills any of Antonio’s blood, he can be arrested. Also, Shylock can only take a pound, no more, no less. Shylock, stuck in an impossible situation, decides to not take Antonio’s flesh and take Bassanio’s offer. However, Bassanio retracts his original offer. Portia also says that Shylock, because he threatened a citizen of Venice, must give up half of his wealth. Half goes to Antonio and the other half goes to the state. Antonio let’s Shylock keep his half, but Shylock must convert to Christianity.

ACT 4 - Summary Bassanio gives up his ring to Dr. Balthazar (aka Portia) in order to save Antonio. SCENE 2: Portia and Nerissa want to take off for Belmont before their husbands get back. Nerissa also wants to see if Gratiano will give up his ring, just like Bassanio did.