Synopsis of Act 2 Scene 8 of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
The Merchant of Venice Act 2 (Scene 8) Plot Summary with Word Meanings
This scene takes place in a street of Venice. Salerio and Solanio reveal the recent developments to the audience. We learn from their conversation that Bassanio had set sail for Belmont on the very same night of Jessica-Lorenzo elopement. They are sure that eloped couples had not set sail with him. Shylock suspects that Jessica is aboard on the ship and complains to the Duke of Venice and insists that the ship should be searched. Antonio, who was at the dock, assured that they were not in the ship. It was reported, that someone had seen them in a gondola. Salerio informs how agitated Shylock was, at the loss of his money and jewels along with his daughter. Frantic with rage and misery he had been shouting on the streets of Venice 'My daughter, my ducats'. All the boys in Venice are mocking him, his daughter and his ducats. This incident strengthens the resolve of Shylock to take revenge on Antonio, the English man.
Salerio comes to know from a Frenchman that a Venetian ship, richly laid with cargo, has sunk in the English channel. Solanio tells him to report the matter to Antonio in a gentle way. The two discuss the loving nature of Antonio. They recall how he had parted from Bassanio, ensuring him not to think about the bond. He also told his friend not to rush up with the courtship in order to get back to him in a hurry. Salerio along with Solanio leaves the stage to meet Antonio and cheer up his spirits.
Word-Meanings
outcries - complaints,
gondola - a flat bottomed boat used on the canals of Venice,
amorous - loving,
certified - assured,
passion - intense feeling,
outrageous - excessive,
two stones - one of diamond and one turquoise,
stones up her - stones with her,
look he keep his day - be careful to pay his debt on the stipulated day,
reason'd - talked to,
miscarried - lost or wrecked,
vessel - ship,
fraught - laden with,
treads - lives,
slubber not business - do not hurry your business carelessly,
riping of time - till the right time comes,
hath - has,
ostents - demonstrations,
wrung - clasped tightly,
quicken - cheer up,
has embraced heaviness - is under depression or melancholy,
delight - amusement,
do we so - let us do so
- Questions and Answers for Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8
- Workbook Solutions for Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8
- Summary of Merchant of Venice for All Acts and Scenes
- Questions and Answers of Merchant of Venice- All Acts and Scenes
- Workbook Solutions for Merchant of Venice- All Acts and Scenes
- Short Summary of Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare