The scene moves back to Belmont again, where Portia asks Jessica and Lorenzo to rule in her absence. She tells them that she will go to a monastery along with Nerissa and stay there until their husbands return. Note that it is Lorenzo that is given the reins and not Jessica, highlighting the gender roles in society at this time.
When Lorenzo has agreed to take on the role and is convinced that Portia has gone to the monastery to live in ‘prayer and contemplation, ‘ he leaves the stage and Portia informs the audience of her plan to save Antonio’s life.
She sends her messenger Balthasar with a letter to her cousin, Bellario in Padua and to return with whatever notes and garments he has to offer. She tells him to meet her in Venice, where she will be going to immediately.
Portia then tells Nerissa that they will see their husbands before they even think about them. She tells Nerissa of her plan to disguise themselves as young men and even their husbands will not be aware of who they are. Here Shakespeare is making use of dramatic irony as the audience will be aware of the plan but the other characters will not. This is used to create tension in the play.
Questions:
- We see a cunning side to Portia’s personality in this scene. How does she show this?
- What is Portia’s plan?
- Why do you think Lorenzo was asked to take charge in Portia’s absence? What does this say about the world of the play?
Enda's English Notes 