(i) Antonio, Shylock and gaoler are present in a street before Shylock’s house in Venice. The gaoler is present there because Shylock gives him warning and instruction to be followed. He warns the gaoler to take proper care of Antonio lest he should escape. Shylock also blames him for having permitted Antonio to have come out of the prison. 

(ii) Shylock tells the gaoler that Antonio is that foolish person who lends money without charging any interest and gives him great loss. Antonio humiliates him in public place by abusing him and also calls him dog. 

(iii) Shylock deprives Antonio of his liberty and asks the jailer to show a harsh attitude towards him and not to permit him to go out at any cost. Shylock seems to be determined to execute the bond signed by Antonio. At this Antonio calls him good Shylock and asks him to listen to him, but Shylock does not pay any heed towards his words. 

(iv) In this extract, Shylock shows a kind of cruel and barbaric attitude towards Antonio. He seems to be strong-hearted for him. He is determined to use his bond to gratify his craving for revenge. Shylock shows his bitterness for Antonio because Antonio lends money without interest and thus spoils his business as a usurer. He is also bitter because Antonio hates his sacred nation and constantly chides him for charging interest. 

(v) In regard of the bond Solanio tries to bring hope to Antonio saying that he (Solanio) is sure that the Duke will never allow this penalty to be paid. But Solanio’s consolation can not give him any kind of relief. Antonio tells him that the Duke can not deny the course of law. He further adds that the rights which strangers have among them in Venice can not be refused, or it will greatly malign the justice of our state, since its trade and profit consists of all nations. 

(vi) When Portia finds that Shylock is determined for the implementation of his bond signed by Antonio and is not ready to show any kind of mercy for Antonio. She allows him to apply his bond and asks him to cut only a pound of flesh—neither more nor less. And no single drop of blood should fall as it has not been mentioned in the bond. In this way she saves the life of Antonio. We feel sympathy for Shylock. He appears to be a tragic figure to us because he has lost everything.