moves the play away from a serious drama and turns tocomedy.
Now that the serious portion of the play is over, some lighter and comic moments follow. After the Duke and the other members of the court exit, Antonio, Bassanio, and Graziano are left on stage with Portia and Nerissa (both of whom are still in disguise asmen).
Bassanio tells Balthsar/Portia that he wishes to compensate, to pay, the young lawyer for all of his (her) effort and work. Portia, though, refuses the money and asserts…
He is well paid that is well satisfied.(411)
Portia is happy with the result of her efforts, and that happiness is reward enough. Of course, Bassanio still does not realize that Balthsar is actually his own wealthy wife,Portia.
Bassanio, though, insists that he and Antonio should give at least some kind of payment to Portia as a way of expressing their gratitude and thanks.
Portia then says that, as a small reward, she will accept Antonio’s gloves and Bassanio’s ring.
Bassanio is shocked by this request, for he has made a solemn vow to his wife that he would