Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

Jessica, Shylock's daughter, tells Launcelot that she is sad to see him leave, but gives him a letter for Lorenzo. To herself, she deplores herself for being ashamed of her father. Yet she vows to become a Christian and marry Lorenzo.

Act 2, Scene 3 Analysis

Again, Shylock seems condemned by those around him, even his own daughter. The audience wonders about Shylock's character since all these characters seem to hold him in such contempt, yet none voice any other reason for the malice except for Shylock being a Jew and somewhat tedious. This same voice coming from his daughter also calls into question her own virtue, as she berates herself for her own sin of being ashamed of Shylock. It calls into question her own morality and leads us to think of Jessica as a spoiled, impetuous girl.