Gratiano and Salerio are outside Shylock’s house, waiting for Lorenzo who arrives, in the hope of taking Jessica from the house. He calls up to the upstairs window and Jessica, dressed in boy’s clothes responds.
She tells Lorenzo to catch the casket, she is throwing from the upstairs window, which contains Shylock’s gold and jewels. “Here, catch this casket. It is worth the pains.”
She then tells Lorenzo that she is glad that it is night, as she is embarrassed by her costume, being dressed like a boy. She is horrified when Lorenzo tells her that she is to be his torch-bearer and says, “What, must I hold a candle to my shames?” She is scared that being dressed like a boy might put Lorenzo off her, highlighting the emphasis placed on looks in this society. Lorenzo tells her to hurry up and she tells him she will be down shortly, but not before she fills her pockets with more of Shylock’s ducats.
Antonio enters at the end of the scene to tell them that the masque is cancelled due to a change in the wind and he is setting off for Belmont immediately.
Questions:
- What does Jessica throw down to Lorenzo? How do you feel about what she is doing? Explain your answer.
- Why does Jessica not want to be a torch bearer?
- Do you think Jessica is a loyal person? Explain your answer with reference to the text.
Key Quotes:
“Here, catch this casket. It is worth the pains.” Jessica
“What, must I hold a candle to my shames?” Jessica
Enda's English Notes 