Antonio agrees to the plan, but all of his money is tied up with his ships which are at sea. He suggests that Bassanio set up a meeting with someone in Venice to try and procure a loan based on Antonio’s credit.
Summary for Act 1 scene 2
Here we are introduced to Portia and her waiting-woman, Nerissa. The are discussing the terms of her father’s will which state that the decision of whom she shall marry will be based on a riddle. Three boxes, one gold, one silver, one lead, and each with a meaning have been set up for each suitor to choose from. He who guesses right marries Portia. Portia reflects upon the unfairness of this, but Nerissa assures her that only a man worthy of her will solve the riddle. She points out the problems with all of the suitors so far and then Nerissa mentions Bassanio, whom they have met at some prior time and Portia remembers his as, “worthy of praise.” A servant then enters to announce that the other suitors are leaving, but the Prince of Morocco will soon arrive.
Summary for Act 1 scene 3
Bassanio finds Shylock, a Jewish lender of the town and has proposed a loan of three-thousand ducats for a period of three months on Antonio’s credit. Shylock says he knows Antonio’s credit is good and aside he mentions his reasons for hating Antonio: he spits on Shylock, publicly humiliates him, and lends money without interest, driving down the rates for Shylock’s own business. When Shylock confronts Antonio about his mistreatment of him in the past, Antonio says he will continue to disrespect Shylock. It is Antonio’s belief that the money is better lent to an enemy than a friend. The final agreement is at Shylock’s suggestion; the forfeiture if the loan is not repaid within three months will be one pound of Antonio’s flesh, taken by Shylock. Antonio agrees to this freely, expecting over three times the sum he owes to return with his ships within two months. Antonio’s final comment is that the Hebrew will turn Christian, suggesting that his “kindness” was a Christian attribute.
