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The Merchant of Venice Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Norton Shakespeare edition.

Quote #4

JESSICA
I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so.
Our house is hell and thou, a merry devil,
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.
But fare thee well. There is a ducat for thee,
And, Lancelet, soon at supper shalt thou see
Lorenzo, who is thy new master's guest.
Give him this letter, do it secretly.
And so farewell. I would not have my father
See me in talk with thee. (2.3.1-9)

Jessica seems to be lacking in familial love toward her father. Rather than chastise Lancelot for his betrayal, she calls her house hell, and in the same speech plots to betray her father by secretly meeting Lorenzo, her Christian lover.

Quote #5

LORENZO
I must needs tell thee all. She hath directed
How I shall take her from her father's house,
What gold and jewels she is furnished with,
What page's suit she hath in readiness. (2.4.33-36)

Lorenzo, like every other man in the play, conflates love with money. He's just praised Jessica for being beautiful, but what's important to tell his boys is that the girl is ready to go. She brings more than just her love, though; she's got her father's money, which seems as important to Lorenzo as the girl herself.

Quote #6

SHYLOCK
What, Jessica!—Thou shalt not gormandize
As thou hast done with me—what, Jessica!—
And sleep and snore, and rend apparel out.—
Why, Jessica, I say! (2.5.3-6)

Shylock is not particularly loving with his daughter, is he?