Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

Launcelot, the clown, debates with himself about running away from his master, Shylock. Launcelot is bothered that Shylock is a devil of sorts, because Shylock is Jewish, yet his conscience reminds him that he is an honest person. When he decides that he will leave Shylock's employ, a half-blind man walks up asking how he can get to Shylock's home. Launcelot recognizes him as his father, Gobbo.

After toying with his father for a moment, Launcelot reveals himself to his father, though it takes a few moments before Gobbo accepts it. Launcelot tells his father that he is running away from the Jew to work for Bassanio, who enters soon after. The two both plead with Bassanio to accept Launcelot's services, which he does. As Launcelot leaves to get his things from Shylock's home, Gratiano asks Bassanio if he can go...