“The third time’s the charm!”This is a popular idiomatic expression that rose to popularity during the nineteenth century. The expression suggests that someone who fails to achieve a goal on the first two tries or attempts will be successful on the third try. The origins of this expression, however, go back much earlier to folk talesand fairy tales passed down to later generations through anoral tradition in literature. Fairy tales especially followthe pattern of three. A good example is the story ofRumplestiltskin.Inthis tale a magical imp or elf demands that a princess must hand over her child to him – as she had promised – unless she can guess his name in three days. At the end of the first two days, the princess guesses incorrectly; but on the third day she discovers the strange name, Rumplestiltskin, and thus is able to keep herchild.
The Prince of Aragon, unfortunately, is making only the second attempt. Thus, in fairy-tale tradition, he cannot succeed. Even audiences back in 1597 were apparently familiar with this pattern. Shakespeare thus establishes certain expectations for his audience and delivers on them. The technique (the pattern of three) satisfies the audience who will anticipate the expected outcome but will still enjoy the manner in which the playwright handles the details. Moreover, as to the outcome of the main conflict – the one involving Antonio and Shylock – the audience still remains uncertain.