The Merchant of Venice, Act 3, Scene 4 summary
Act 3, Scene 4 of 20 · 3 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 4, Portia entrusts her household to Lorenzo, saying she and Nerissa intend to withdraw for prayer, while secretly arranging a journey to see their husbands. She sends Balthazar to Doctor Bellario for papers and clothes, then tells Nerissa that they plan to disguise themselves as young men.
What happens
- Lorenzo praises Portia for helping her husband's friend, and she explains that Antonio must resemble Bassanio in character.
- Portia gives Lorenzo charge of her household and says she and Nerissa intend to stay at a monastery.
- After Lorenzo and Jessica leave, Portia sends Balthazar to Padua for papers and clothes from Doctor Bellario.
- Portia tells Nerissa they plan to meet their husbands disguised as young men.
- Portia describes the boastful behavior she intends to imitate and urges Nerissa toward their waiting carriage.
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In this scene
What to notice
Portia reveals that her announced retreat conceals another purpose. The line introduces her plan to approach the husbands unexpectedly and in disguise.
Quick check
What does Portia ask Balthazar to collect from Doctor Bellario?
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