Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice
1, Shylock's initial reaction to Launcelot's leaving his service is one of anger and
frustration. In Act II, Scene 2 of William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice,"
Launcelot announces his intention to leave Shylock's service and work for Bassanio
instead. Shylock becomes enraged at Launcelot's decision and insults him, calling
him a "faithless coward" and a "mongrel."
However, Shylock's anger is not only directed towards Launcelot. He also becomes
upset with his daughter Jessica, who he believes has stolen from him and run away
with a Christian. This leads to a further deterioration of his relationship with
Launcelot, who is caught in the middle of the conflict between Shylock and Jessica.
ACT2 SCENE 5
If you could provide more context or information about the play and scene you are
referring to, I would be happy to help answer your question more specifically.
It is difficult to determine which specific scene or play you are referring to, as there
are many instances in literature where two characters discuss the nature of love.
However, I can offer a general response based on common themes in literature.
In many works of literature, characters discuss the nature of love and its various
complexities. Some believe that love is an uncontrollable force that cannot be tamed
or predicted, while others argue that love can be rationalized and controlled. Some
believe that love is selfless and pure, while others see it as selfish and manipulative.
Love is often portrayed as both a source of great joy and happiness, as well as great
pain and suffering. Characters may debate whether the risk of heartbreak is worth
the potential rewards of love, or whether love is ultimately fleeting and impermanent.
In short, the nature of love is a complex and multifaceted topic that has been
explored in literature for centuries. Different characters may have different
perspectives on what love is and how it should be experienced, leading to a wide
range of opinions and beliefs on the topic.
"Let me play the fool: With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come, And let my liver
rather heat with wine Than my heart cool with mortifying groans. Why should a man,
whose blood is warm within, Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster? Sleep when he
wakes and creep into the jaundice By being peevish? I tell thee what, Antonio— I
love thee, and 'tis my love that speaks— There are a sort of men whose visages Do
cream and mantle like a standing pond, And do a wilful stillness entertain, With
purpose to be dressed in an opinion Of wisdom, gravity, profound conceit, As who
should say 'I am Sir Oracle, And when I ope my lips let no dog bark!' O my Antonio, I
do know of these That therefore only are reputed wise For saying nothing; when, I
am very sure, If they should speak, would almost damn those ears Which, hearing
them, would call their brothers fools. I'll tell thee more of this another time. But fish
not with this melancholy bait For this fool gudgeon, this opinion." (Act 1, Scene 1)
In this passage, Gratiano suggests that there are people who present themselves as
wise and knowledgeable, but who are actually foolish and self-important. He also
advises Antonio to avoid getting caught up in melancholy, and to be wary of those
who claim to know everything about love and relationships. Overall, Gratiano's view
of love is somewhat skeptical, and he urges caution and a healthy dose of skepticism
when it comes to matters of the heart.