The Merchant of Venice The Race Against Time

The race against time

We are now up to scene 4 act 3. Recently in the book Bassanio and Portia got married as well as Gratiano and Nerissa. Antonio is now about to lose flesh which will likely result in his death so Bassanio is on his way to do his best to support his best friend. What do you think will happen?


1. What is Lorenzo’s opinion of Antonio?

Lorenzo majorly respects Antonio thinking he is an amazing faithful man, he believes Portia letting Bassanio go help Antonio is amazing of her since as I said before he really admires Antonio.

2. What does Portia tell Lorenzo she intends to do?

She intends to live in a monastery and give Lorenzo the ownership of the house until Bassanio returns.

3. What does she ask Lorenzo and Jessica to do for her and why?

She asks them to look after the house until she and Bassanio return.

4. Why does Portia think Antonio and Bassanio must be alike?

She knows that Antonio lent Bassanio some money at a price, they are also best friends so she believes best friends are normally alike meaning Antonio would be a really good guy.

5. Why do Portia and Nerissa intend to travel dressed as men?

They can pretend to be lawyers and do there best to use the law against Shylock. Portia has a relative that is a lawyer that should be able to teach them to use the law against Shylock.

6. In A3S4 L 60-78, how does Portia describe the behaviour and attitudes of young men?

She describes them as immature only carrying about battles and ladies.

7. Does it seem likely that Portia is going to follow the expected behaviour of a wife?
No not at all. She is already going against that by disguising as men to help her husbands best friend.