In Scene 1 of Act 3, the story unfolds on a street in Venice where Salanio and Salarino are deep in worry over hearing that Antonio has lost a ship. Shylock makes an entrance, catching the attention of Salanio and Salarino who inquire about any updates among the merchants. Shylock, however, can only speak of his daughter’s betrayal, leading them to express their belief that she is quite different from her father and it was time for Jessica to depart. They then directly interrogate Shylock about the news regarding Antonio’s ship. Shylock responds by stating that he must remember his bond. Salanio and Salarino question what purpose Antonio’s flesh will serve for Shylock, to which Shylock retorts that it will bring forth revenge.
A servant seeks Salanio and Salarino, requesting their presence at Antonio’s house. Shylock converses with Tubal, another Jewish individual. Salanio, Salarino, and the servant depart. Shylock inquires about any information concerning his daughter. Although Tubal has heard rumors about Jessica, he has not seen her personally. Shylock expresses sorrow over the valuable jewels she took with her. Tubal provides news that Antonio’s ship has been wrecked, along with details of Jessica spending 80 ducats and exchanging a ring for a monkey. Shylock tasks Tubal with finding an officer to apprehend Antonio as soon as the loan becomes due.
In this scene, we return to Belmont where Bassanio, Portia, Gratiano, Nerissa, and other attendants are present. Portia asks Bassanio to wait a few days before selecting a casket, so that she can spend time with him in case he chooses the wrong one. However, Bassanio decides to make his choice immediately. As he contemplates his decision, a song is played in the background pondering the location of love- is it in the heart or in the head? Ultimately, Bassanio selects the lead box since it reveals the least outwardly. Inside the lead box, he finds Portia’s picture and a note commending him for his decision based on inner qualities rather than appearances. Additionally, Portia presents Bassanio with a ring which he promises to wear always.
Nerissa and Gratiano surprise everyone by declaring their love for each other and their intention to get married. Lorenzo, Jessica, and Salerio then arrive, with Salerio bringing a letter from Antonio for Bassanio. The letter contains the devastating news that all of Antonio’s ships have been lost and that Shylock is ready to enforce the bond. Fearing his imminent death, Antonio asks Bassanio to be present during his final moments. Portia reassures Bassanio that her wealth is now his and they can find a way to help Antonio after their wedding. In another scene set in Venice, Shylock, Salarino, and Antonio are seen speaking with a Gaoler.
Shylock adamantly refuses to show mercy to Antonio and refuses to listen when Antonio tries to speak. Salarino hopes that the duke will intervene. Antonio insists that the duke has no choice but to uphold the bond according to the law. Antonio’s only hope is that Bassanio will be there to witness the bond being paid. In a different scene, at Belmont Portia’s house, Portia, Nerissa, Lorenzo, Jessica, and Balthasar are talking. Lorenzo tells Portia about Antonio’s virtuous character. Portia asks Lorenzo and Jessica to manage her property while her husband and Gratiano are away.
Portia and Nerissa inform the other couple that they intend to stay at a monastery until their husbands return. Lorenzo and Jessica accept the offer and bid farewell to Portia and Nerissa. Portia then requests Balthazar to deliver a letter to her cousin Doctor Ballario, and afterwards, take the items given by Ballario to the ferry departing for Venice. After Balthasar departs, Portia reveals more of her plan to Nerissa. She reveals that they will soon reunite with their husbands, who will not recognize them as they will be disguised as young men. Portia assures Nerissa that she will disclose the rest of the plan during their journey to the ferry.
In Belmont, in a garden, Launcelot and Jessica engage in playful banter. Launcelot teases Jessica, questioning if her father is truly a Jew. Jessica confidently asserts that her Christian husband will save her. Launcelot jokingly predicts that the price of pork will rise due to conversions. Lorenzo arrives and playfully mocks Launcelot for being alone with his wife. They exchange teasing remarks until Lorenzo mentions the need to serve dinner. After Launcelot departs, Lorenzo and Jessica admire Portia, expressing their admiration.
