Summary of scenes in Act 3
Scene 1
Solanio and Salerio have heard reports that confirm that Antonio’s ships have indeed wrecked, and they are concerned about his bond with Shylock. Shylock, still reeling from his daughter’s escape, hears from Salerio about Antonio’s bad fortune, and his grief turns to anger. Salerio questions whether Shylock will really take his pound of flesh from Antonio, and Shylock responds that he will take it in revenge, just as a Christian would. Tubal, another Jew, confirms Antonio’s shipwrecks and tells Shylock that he hasn’t found Jessica, but has heard that she has spent 80 ducats in one night and has traded her mother’s ring for a monkey.Enraged, Shylock gets an officer to arrest Antonio in order to collect his bond.
Scene 2
At Belmont, Portia tries to convince Bassanio to delay for a month or two assaying the casket test so she may enjoy his company. Bassanio, however, is impatient to resolve the issue, and insists on taking the test. He chooses the lead casket, insisting that outward appearance counts for little where true value is concerned, and thus wins the hand of Portia. As they are rejoicing, Gratiano announces his love for Nerissa, and the two ask to be married at the same ceremony as Bassanio and Portia. Salerio then arrives with Lorenzo and Jessica, carrying a letter from Antonio to the effect that all his ventures have miscarried and his bond is forfeit. Shylock intends to take his life. Bassanio and Gratiano determine to marry Portia and Nerissa immediately, then sail for Venice with sufficient funds (provided by Portia) to rescue Antonio.
Scene 3
Shylock takes Antonio to jail, with Antonio pleading for mercy in vain. Solanio and Antonio discuss whether the Duke will dismiss the case, but Antonio believes the law will hold.
Scene 4
Portia leaves her estate in the hands of Lorenzo while pretending to stay at a monastery a few miles away during their husbands’ absence. Instead, she gets documents and legal clothing from her lawyer cousin so she and Nerissa may go to Venice. Portia promises she will divulge her plan on the way to Venice.
Scene 5
In a scriptural debate Launcelot tells Jessica he believes she is damned for her father’s sins, but she asserts that because of her husband, she will not be. Launcelot complains about the conversion of the Jews, which, since they will not be forbidden to eat pork, will raise the price of bacon. Lorenzo enters and berates Launcelot for getting a Moorish servant pregnant. He and Nerissa discuss Portia’s merits, and Lorenzo comments that he is as great a husband as Portia is a wife.