The Merchant of Venice, Act 3, Scene 5 summary
Act 3, Scene 5 of 20 · 4 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 5, Launcelet questions Jessica’s salvation and jokes that her conversion makes pork more expensive, while Lorenzo challenges his wordplay and sends him to arrange dinner. Jessica then praises Portia, and the couple turn from religious teasing to playful talk about their own marriage.
What happens
- Launcelet claims Jessica faces damnation through her parents, but she answers that her husband makes her a Christian.
- Launcelet argues that more Christians mean more pork eaters and higher prices.
- Lorenzo enters, hears Jessica’s report, and accuses Launcelet of making the Moor pregnant.
- Launcelet twists Lorenzo’s instructions about dinner until Lorenzo gives detailed orders and sends him away.
- Jessica praises Portia as an unmatched wife, then jokes with Lorenzo about judging his worth as a husband.
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
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this scene
What to notice
Jessica answers Launcelet’s claims about her parents by grounding her salvation in marriage and conversion. Her response makes religious identity central to their joking exchange.
Quick check
Why does Launcelet say Lorenzo raises the price of pork?
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
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 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
