The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 2 summary
Act 4, Scene 2 of 20 · 1 min to read the scene
In Act 4, Scene 2, Portia sends Nerissa to obtain Shylock’s signature on a deed, then accepts the ring Gratiano brings from Bassanio while refusing his dinner invitation. Nerissa decides to seek her husband’s ring too, and Portia anticipates challenging both husbands over their explanations.
What happens
- Portia asks Nerissa to take a deed to Shylock for his signature and plans to reach home before their husbands.
- Gratiano arrives with Bassanio’s ring and an invitation to dinner.
- Portia accepts the ring, declines dinner, and asks Gratiano to guide her assistant to Shylock’s house.
- Nerissa privately tells Portia she intends to obtain her husband’s ring despite his promise to keep it.
- Portia encourages Nerissa and anticipates disputing the husbands’ claims that they give their rings to men.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Merchant of Venice, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Empieza 90 días gratisNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this scene
What to notice
Nerissa turns the ring exchange into a test of her husband’s promise. Her plan extends the challenge beyond Bassanio.
Quick check
What does Portia ask Gratiano to do after accepting the ring?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Merchant of Venice, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Empieza 90 días gratisNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
