Status Updates From Il mercante di Venezia

Launcelot states Bassanio has the grace of God and Shylock has enough. More inner versus outer: Bassanio looks rich but he’s really poor. Shylock is supposed to be a jerk but he’s already arranged matters about Launcelot.

Old Gobbo is bringing a present for Shylock which I wonder about--he’s supposed to be so bad. The gift is a dish of doves. Is Shakespeare referring to a burnt offering or a sin offering? He offers it to Bassanio since his son wants to change employers. Bassanio is surprised because Launcelot is better off working for a rich man, at least financially. Father and son interrupt each other, confusing Bassanio.

He wants to go. It reminds me of CM. His will has decided to go so his fiend gives him reasons to go. The angel does, too, but the will has made its choice. Then he meets his aged, nearly blind father and pranks him, which is also funny because he does fess up. There are several Biblical references. There is a clear one about Jacob and his nearly blind father Abraham. He talks about murder not being hid long (Abel).

AIISII Launcelot Gobbo is comic relief. He is hilarious, especially when you see him acted. What I find interesting is that the angel on his shoulder is arguing with the devil. Portia has already talked about knowing the right thing but not doing it. Here, the fiend wins and Launcelot decides to leave Shylock. What is fascinating is that, with the hatred of the Jews in this play, it is the fiend tht tells him to go.