Shakespeare Play ~ The Merchant of Venice

Salanio ~ Otherwise known as Elizabeth

Act I Scene I
In the Italian city of Venice, a center of commerce and finance, ANTONIO, a merchant is sad, despite his companions SALARINO, SALANIO, and GRATIANO trying to cheer him. BASSANIO ask his friend Antonio for a loan so he can woo PORTIA, a rich lady in Belmont. As his wealth lies in ships at sea, Antonio promises to find money for his young friend.

Act II Scene IV
Launcelot brings Jessica's letter to Lorenzo who is preparing for a masque with Salerio, Salanio, and Gratiano. Lorenzo tells his mates that Jessica plans to steal away from her fathers house dressed as a page-torchbearer and with her father's gold and jewels.

Act II Scene IV

Act II Scene VIII
Salerio and Salanio discuss how Bassanio left with Gratiano. Lorenzo and Jessica did not go with him, and Shylock was beside himself when he found his daughter and his ducats gone. There is a rumor that one of Antonio's ships sank, which does not bode well for the bond.

Act III Scene I
Salerio and Salanio discuss the rumor about Antonio's ship being lost at sea and mock Shylock about Jessica's flight. Shylock is sure that Antonio will forfeit and that exacting the pound of flesh will feed his revenge, after Antonio mocked him for so long. In a moment of poignancy mixed with bitterness, Shylock remarks that a Jew is no different than a Christian including wanting revenge after being wronged. A fellow Jew named TUBAL enters and tells Shylock that he has heard about Jessica traveling abroad and spending lots of money, including trading a ring that Shylocks late wife had given him before their marriage.Tubal also notes that more of Antonio's ships have sunk and that Antonio is sure to be bankrupt. Shylock rejoices.




The Cast