Act+Five

Sam Morse Portia 5.1.102-106 The crow doth sing as sweetly as the lark When neither is attended; and I think The nightingale, if she should sing by day, When every goose is cackling, would be though No better a musician than the wren.

I think Portia is upset that her new husband, Bassanio, has given up the ring she gave him so willingly, in order to pay a debt he felt he owed to the “doctor” that saved his dear friend Antonio. It seems to Portia, no matter how many factors about the situation she takes into consideration, nothing good has come and benefitted her. Portia may feel that Bassanio’s guilt for putting Antonio in this horrible situation with Shylock, has overshadowed his love for her.

Antonio: 5.1.249-253 I once did lend my body for his wealth, Which, but for him that had your husband’s ring, Had quite miscarried. I dare be bound again, My soul upon the forfeit, that your lord Will nevermore break faith advisedly.

Although Antonio, Bassanio, and Gratiano are clueless to the fact that the loss of the rings was all merely a test set up by Portia and Nerissa, Antonio tries to comfort Portia with empathy. Antonio points out that he was very recently, also in a pickle because of Bassanio’s mistakes. He also knows how sorry Bassanio is and that he would rather die before putting a dear friend, such as Antonio, in that situation again. Based on this knowledge, Antonio comforts Portia by telling her he knows how sorry Bassanio is, and he will never willingly hurt her again.

Kate Bonney Portia 5.1.232-233 “Now, by mine honor, which is yet mine own, I’ll have that doctor for my bedfellow.” Portia and Nerissa dressed like men and pretended to be a doctor and his clerk when their fiances left to save Antonio. They ended up stopping Shylock from taking a pound of Antonio’s flesh and tricking their fiance’s into giving away their rings. This excerpt is ironic because Portia is the doctor so she already is her own bedfellow, it’s not much of a threat to Bassanio.

Lorenzo 5.1.1-3 “The moon shines bright. In such a night as this, when the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees and they did make no noise, in such a night.” Lorenzo and Jessica are in Belmont, outside of Portia’s house waiting for the others return. I love this excerpt because it has such beautiful imagery, the night seems perfect and lovely. The conversation that commences because of such a night between Jessica and Lorenzo is humorous as the two try to “out-night” each other. All together I enjoyed this whole scene for it’s sweet and lighthearted nature.

Cassidy Bigos

Lorenzo (V.i.82–86)

“The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treason's, stategems, and spoils. The motions of his spirit are dull as night, And his affections dark as Erebus.”

his passage shows the contemplation over how the story of all of the characters has unfolded, reflecting upon it. Lorenzo orders music to celebrate Portia’s homecoming and in a way says how important music is to a persons life, more than what we think. Music can express the darkest of places, such as Erebus or Hades and be applied to the treasoners, stategems, and spoilers of the Venetian society.

Gratiano (V.i.306-307) “Well, While I live I’ll fear, no other thing so sore as keeping safe Nerissa’s ring. “

This final passage in the Merchant of Venice is said by Gratiano who has learned his lesson on keeping his future wife’s ring safe no matter what even if he did give it away to a man, who was really Nerissa. Gratiano is saying that is is “in fear” because he dosent want to loose Nerissa’s ring and lose her and it could also mean that he was afraid of the whole situation with Shylock. This event will make sure that he will never loose the ring along with Bassanio who will never loose Portia’s ring wither.

Kaitlin Langervin Period 6 Portia (5.1.89-91) “That light we see is burning in my hall. How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a wicked world.” ~ Portia is saying to Nerissa that with all of the bad that is going on, and what they did with Bassanio and Gratiano’s rings it may have been wrong but the good is now out weighing the bad. Portia then said, “So doth the greater glory dim the less.” (5.1.93)

Nerissa (5.1.92) “When the moon shone, we did not see the candle.” ~ Nerissa is saying that with so much going on, they did not see the smaller things that were going on around them, but now that things have slowed down they are realizing that there is still good in their hectic world.

__** Ryanne Dailey **__ per. 6

“In such a night did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew and with an unthrift love did run from Venice as far as Belmont.”
 * Lorenzo(5.1.15-17) **

Lorenzo and Jessica are recounting the events that led up to this point: Jessica stole the ducats and some jewelry from her wealthy father(Shylock), who was upset and worried about her. Then she ran off to Belmont with Lorenzo, the Christian, which will upset her father even more. I think that Jessica will eventually realize that she should not have stolen the money and jewels, just because she was upset. I also think that Shylock will come to Belmont to find Jessica, because I think that it would be practically impossible for Jessica and Lorenzo to leave without telling anybody or anybody seeing them leaving. Belmont can’t be very far away if they were able to get there in just a few hours, either walking or riding in a boat or cart of some sort.

“My mistress will before the break of day be here at Belmont. She doth stray about by holy crosses, where she kneels and prays for happy wedlock hours.”
 * Stephano(5.1.29-32) **

Stephano is one of Portia’s servants, who must have been sent ahead of Portia to tell everyone that she was arriving. Portia was running late because she had to stop at all the shrines on the way to pray for “happy wedlock hours”, which must mean that Portia and Bassanio are getting married the next day. I think that Gratiano and Nerissa will be coming too, although Stephano did not mention them.

Justin Chartier

Lorenzo (5.1.116-118)

“Madam, they are not yet, But there is come a messenger before To signify their coming.”

Lorenzo told Portia that her and Nerissa’s husbands had not arrived back yet. Portia and Nerissa had just arrived home after they were disguised as a Judge and Clerk. They had saved Antonio and persuaded Bassanio and Gratiano to give up their rings as a gift for saving Antonio. After Portia tells Nerissa to tell the servants to say nothing about their absence when Bassanio and Gratiano arrive back home.

Gratiano (5.1.146-149)

“About a hoop of gold, a paltry ring That she did give me, whose posy was For all the world like cutler’s poetry Upon a knife, “Love me and leave me not.”

Gratiano was telling Nerissa that he gave his ring to the Judge’s clerk as a gift for saving Antonio. Gratiano thinks this isn’t a big deal because it was a cheap little ring. Nerissa’s argument is it was the first thing she ever gave him and he even made a promise to never take it off until he died.

Michelle Morrison

Gratiano (5.1.147-150) “About a hoop of gold, a paltry ring That she did give me, whose posy was For all the world like cutler’s poetry Upon a knife, “Love me and leave me not.”

Gratiano is talking about the ring that he got from Nerissa and then gave away to a “judge’s clerk”. Nerissa feels that it’s a big deal that he gave the ring away so freely because he swore to never take the ring off, and to wear it to his death bed. Gratiano feels that it’s no big deal, because the ring was just a little, “hoop of gold,” a cheap little thing.

Lorenzo(5.1.294-295) “Fair ladies, you drop manna in the way of starved people.”

<span style="font: 13px/19px Arial; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">Lorenzo says this after he receives news that after Jessica’s father dies they will receive all the wealth that he possessed. He compares this to when the food from heaven was miraculously supplied to the Israelites in the wilderness, giving food to starved people. In other words after Lorenzo and Jessica went on a spending spree with all of Shylock’s money, for stupid things like a monkey, they were broke. So the money according to Lorenzo was a necessity they could not have lived without

<span style="font: 13px/19px Arial; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">Mykala Emery

<span style="font: 13px/19px Arial; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">Portia (5.1.90-91)

<span style="font: 13px/19px Arial; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world."

I think that what Portia might be doing here is comparing how much a small deed that seems insignificant can make a big difference in the world.

Bassanio (5.1.177-178)

"Why, I were best to cut my left hand off and swear I lost the ring defending it."

I think it's kind of ironic how Bassanio easily gave away his ring to Portia (not that he knew it) but then he was getting ready to lie to her and say that he had fought for it and had ended up losing it while defending it.

Stormi Henderson

Portia: "Now, by mine honor, which is yet mine own, I'll have that doctor for my bedfellow." (Pg.183 232-233). What Portia is saying is, that she'll share a bed with the doctor that Bassanio had traded or sold the ring to. (The doctor really was Portia in disguise). She's trying to get a reaction out of him.

Nerissa: "And I his clerk; therefore be well advised How you do leave me to mine own protection." (Pg. 183 234-235). Nerissa is doing the same thing as Portia, it's part of their plan. She's playing defenseless girl.

Gratiano: "Well, do you so. Let not me take him, then! For if I do, I'll mar the young clerk's pen." (Pg. 183 236-237). Gratiano is getting jealous, he doesn't want Nerissa near the clerk. If he even had sight of the clerk he'd beat him until he was impaired.

Travis

Lorenzo (5.1.116-118)

“Madam, they are not yet, But there is come a messenger before To signify their coming.”

Lorenzo is talking to Portia and is informing her that Nerissa’s husbands have not shown up. Portia and Nerissa had save Antonio and persuaded Bassanio and Gratiano to give up their rings for saving Antonio. I wonder why they sent a messenger to confirm that they were on their way? It reminded me oh how when a friend is coming over, before he leaves he will text me and say he is on his way.

Lorenzo(5.1.294-295) “Fair ladies, you drop manna in the way of starved people.”

Lorenzo has just got news the after Jessica’s dad dies they will get all the wealth and money he owned. Manna is said to be a food that God gave to the starving people. My take on this, is he is saying he can’t live without money. If he compares money to a food that was given to starving people, he could be the starving person and money could be his “food”. This reminds me of a movie I have seen called Mr. Deeds. This very nice and average guy, inherited 54 billion dollars from his relative after he died.

Lindsy Crutchfield

Lorenzo (5.1.12) "To come again to Carthage." I found this really funny because I live in Carthage myself and this is my character. Plus, I am saying it to my soon to be wife (best friend in real life) so it makes it even more ironic. Maybe there is some meaning behind the name Carthage.

Portia (5.1.90-91) "How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world." I'm glad that someone seems to be optimistic. What has been going on lately in the story has not been good, but she is still seeing the good out of it all.

Caroline Bergendahl Portia 5.1.35 You should in all sense be much bound to him. For as I hear he was much bound for you.

Portia makes the point that Bassanio should be grateful of how much Antonio has done for him. It makes sense that she says this because even though Bassanio seems loving towards Antonio, he also seems oblivious of how bad things could have gone if Portia and Nerissa had not snuck into the Duke’s court.

Gratiano 5.1.146 About a hoop of gold, a paltry ring That she did give me, whose posy was For all the world like cutler’s poetry Upon a knife, “Love me and leave me not.”

In this part of the play, Gratiano makes himself look like an idiot because he’s arguing with Nerissa about giving a lawyer’s clerk a ring that Nerissa gave to him. He says that it wasn’t good quality, and acts like he doesn’t care at all that the ring is gone. I would feel the same as Nerissa if someone gave away something that I gave to them like it was nothing.

Ashley Mackin “I once did lend my body for his wealth / Which, but for Him that had your husband’s ring, / Had quite miscarried; I dare be bound again / My soul upon the forfeit, that your lord / Will nevermore break faith advisedly.” 5.1.294

After the problem of the ring of Portia and Bassanio’s love had settled down, Antonio seems to give his soul. He doesn’t feel as if he is in competition for Bassanio’s love. This is a generous and selfless act he has made. Antonio could have died from Bassanio’s love for her by making a bond, but he has far overcome that issue.

Jenn Smith period 6. **Lorenzo (5.1.83-85)** “The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils.” Lorenzo is saying that if a man doesn’t believe in himself or has any sort of passion, then he is not fitted for this world and has betrayed something or someone. He also means that the person who plays games, betrays, and ruins things should not take on that personality. Lorenzo doesn’t respect people like that.

**Bassanio (5.1.186-188)** “If I could add a lie unto a fault I would deny it; but you see my finger hath not the ring upon it. It is gone.” Bassanio is saying that he lost the ring for Portia, for it is not on his finger anymore. If he could deny it he would, but he obviously cannot because it’s not on his finger anymore. Bassanio seems quite upset about the situation.

Brett Whittemore

Gratiano 5.1 (146-149)

"About a hoop of gold, a paltry ring that she did give me, whose posy was for all the world like cutler's poetry upon a knife, "Love me and leave me not."

Gratiano tells Nerissa about him giving the ring to the Judge's clerk as a gift of gratitude for saving Antonio. Gratiano doesn't see what the problem is because he thinks of the ring as cheap and unimportant. However Nerissa things the ring is very important because it was the first gift she ever gave to Gratiano, and he told her he would never take it off for the rest of his life.

Portia 5.1 (35-36)

You should in all sense be much bound to him. For as i hear he wants much bound for you.

Portia tells Bassanio that he should be grateful for all that Antonio has done for him. She says this because even though Bassanio is kind and loving to Antonio he does not realize the consequences possible if Portia and Nerissa had not snuck into the Duke's court.

Sam Cummings Period 6.

“You shall perceive them make a mutual stand, their savage eyes turned to a modest gaze by the sweet power of music. Therefore the poet did feign that Orpheus drew trees, stones, and floods.” Lorenzo, 5.1, 77-80

Lorenzo is talking about getting married to Jessica, you can tell how excited they are. He hopes that this will be the best thing to happen to him in his life time, better than the poet, Ovid, and he is talking about how the music is as sweet as the songs of the creatures in the air.

“Sweet lady, you have given me life and living; for here I read for certain that my ships are safely come to road.” Antonio, 5.1, 285-287

In this, Antonio is glad to back, and he is also glad for other reasons, his ships had come in safely, and that Shylock had died, so no worries about him dying.

Austin Bernard

Bassanio V.i.177-178

“Why, I were best to cut my left hand off and swear I lost the ring defending it.”

Bassanio is saying that it would have been better to lie to Portia about losing the ring than to tell her that he actually gave it to the lawyer. I find this quite amusing because it isn’t a whole lot different from how men act nowadays when they have to tell their spouse bad news.

Antonio V.i.285-287

“Sweet lady, you have given me life and living; for here I read for certain that my ships are safely come to road.”

Antonio is relieved that Shylock will not be able to get his bond. Using his ships as a metaphor, he is saying that he is finally able to relax because everything is safe and he knows he won’t have to pay the pound of flesh.

LEXI NOYES 5.1.15

Lorenzo “In such a night Did Jessica steal form the wealth Jew And with an unthrift love did run form Venice As far as Belmont.

5.1.18 Jessica “In such a night Did young Lorenzo say he loved her well, Stealing her soul with many vows of faith, And ne’er a true one.”

This conversation between Jessica and Lorenzo is weird because they are questioning each other about what has happened with them like they are confused. But they also could be very excited about what they have accomplished and are questioning it in a sarcastic manner. Its just strange because they have a quite long conversation in this way all starting with, “In such a night”.

*
 * AMBYR WILSON :) **
 * Portia **
 * (5.1.129-130) **
 * “Let me give light, but let me not be light, **
 * for a light wife doth make a heavy husband.” **


 * Portia is welcoming Bassanio home. Bassanio brought Antonio home with him and introduced him to portia. Portia seems to be very happy in welcoming Bassanio home and that is why she says “let me give light”. It seems to me that she does not want to be the light because she does not want to seem clingy. She says “a light wife doth make a heavy husband.” and I think what she is trying to say is if she is too clingy, then Bassanio will not want to be around her as much. **


 * Gratiano **
 * (5.1.161-165) **
 * “Now by this hand, I gave it to a youth, **
 * A kind of boy, a little scrubbéd boy **
 * No higher than thyself, the judge’s clerk, **
 * A prating boy, that begged it as a fee. **
 * I could not for my heart deny it him.” **


 * Gratiano is telling Portia and Nerissa of how he gave away the first gift that his wife had given him to a little boy. He felt bad for the boy because he was grubby and was begging for this gift. Portia is telling him after about how he should not have given away the gift that his wife had given him. The gift that his wife had given him was the ring of their marriage. Portia thinks that Nerissa should be very mad at him because if it were her husband she said that she would be very mad. Gratiano is not happy about what he did but he could not deny the boy. **

Kayla Gaudin**

Portia (5.1.112-113) “He knows me as the blind man knows the cuckoo, By the bad voice.”

Portia is saying that Lorenzo does not know her well, and compares him to having as much knowledge as a blind man knows what a bird looks like. He only knows her voice, and so does Lorenzo knows Portia’s voice.

Bassanio (5.1. 177-178)

“Why, I were best to cut my left hand off, and swear I lost the ring defending it.” Bassanio did not really loose the ring defending it. Portia told him to never give up this ring and never to take it off, but when Portia asked for the ring Bassanio gave it to her, but she was dressed as Daniel and Bassanio did not know that it was Portia.

Silvia Lutick

Portia (5.1.190-192)

If so void is your false heart of truth. By heaven, I will ne’er come in your bed Until I see the ring!

Portia is upset over the fact that Bassanio does not have the ring she gave him as a test of his faith towards her. Bassanio (5.1. 187-189) “If I could add a lie into a fault, I would deny it; but you see my finger Hath not the ring upon it. It is gone.” When Portia “finds” out that Bassinio gave up his ring, she is furious.